Wet and Warm December…
Craig Bridge | 12.26.25
Open River and Open Ramps
We’ve received plenty of precipitation Statewide so far this winter, but at most elevations it’s fallen as rain, or wet snow that quickly melts away. For fly fishing, conditions couldn’t really be a whole lot better. The river is low, and that makes for good fishing. Ice is non-existent, so you can fish anywhere you want. And no snow means the boat ramps are open, and pose no risk.
The Usual
Both nymphing and swinging are in play right now. Which flies? The same as always. Flashy baitfish patterns or black leeches for swinging with a spey rod, and pink nymphs for the bobber-lobbers. Both need to find that dead-of-winter transition from slow to almost dead water. That’s where the big gangs are. If you’re not getting them, add weight and length (or a heavier tip) instead of worrying about the bug.
If you look at the SNOTEL data, it shows the chart on the right, which looks like we’re having a bomber winter. If you drive to Craig to do a little fly fishing, it will look like the pictures above and below. Great conditions for winter fishing, but not great for skiing, or runoff to come. But, it’s very early in the snow season, and there are months to go.
Tomorrow is forecast to be cooler, and Craig is forecast to get an inch of snow. If you are headed to the Missouri River this weekend, make sure and bring your gloves and beanies and all of your cold weather fishing gear. If you need something new, check out our selection of cold weather gear from Skwala and SteelyZips.
Headhunters is open from 8am until 5pm for shuttle, flies and everything else you need. Just Joe’s this time of year, so bring a sandwich and chips if you need more than beers.
Wolf Creek Bridge | 12.26.25
Welcome Hole | 12.26.25