Scary Saturday Scenery

Holter Réservoir Feb. 6, 2026

Dry, open and warm conditions continue to plague Montana. And while it’s not that uncommon to see little to no snow in the valley bottoms of Craiglandia, I’ve never seen Holter Reservoir with NO ice in February. None. Not even on the edges. Now I’m not an ice-fisherman, so it’s not like I live up there in the winter, but I do typically keep tabs on the ice. I’ve certainly seen skimpy ice and conditions that would be dangerous to travel across, but there is nothing like current iceless conditions. And there were a dozen boat trailers in the parking lot.

Up along the front, there’s just enough snow to let you know it’s winter on the tops of the high peaks. And that’s it. If this weather pattern persists, there will be no float season on the Dearborn River. Again.

Front Range near Augusta, MT. Feb 6, 2026

While the weather does not bode well for summer runoff, it’s been absolutely gorgeous for winter fly fishing. Highs in the low 60’s have been providing anglers with spring-like weather and lots of vitamin D. The water is still cold, so the trout will be in winter spots, even though you’re only wearing a hoodie. But man it’s nice weather to be out in. We’ve got a couple more days of weather like this, then a moderate cool-down into the 40’s, which typically would be considered “warm” winter fishing weather. Get out there. We’re open everyday for shuttles, flies… all the usual.

Craiglandia winter sunset Feb. 5 2026