Missouri River Montana Winter/January Fly Fishing Forecast
Pretty stable for the next ten days with air temps in the mid 30's at night along with daily highs in the mid 40's to lower 50’s. Lots of cloud cover predicted so may be a decent time to fish?
The average temperature for January includes a highs of 35F and lows of 15F with 0.51 inches of precip which adds up to about 9" of snow. The wind chill can be impressive with winds from the north. The prevailing wind is generally from the southwest which is not nearly as biting as the evil northern wind. The water temperatures are terribly cold. Currently hovering around 37-ish. The uncommonly not-snowy and not too cold weather has got us believing that it will be like this for weeks and months. I do not believe that as we are often lulled into believing that winter may pass us by. No way. Winter will come.
Anglers out this weekend including a great Friday on the river today! Looks mild of the next week as mentioned above. Anglers out daily as we provide services ice at the shop all 12 months. Shuttles, local lodging, guide trips, and shop services available daily. Even when it is snowing!
Cold. Our coldest fishing month. Or one of the top 3. Again we will not know the outcome until later this spring. The non-winter-like November and December have led us into quite a boring start for the New Year. Wear T-Shirt and flip-flops! No, not really. But certainly fishable weather the past couple months, albeit damn windy!. Status Quo for warmer temps. Almost always accompanied by the wind.
Average daily temps have been recorded in the 40’s and 50’sF. Morning fishing is for those who like to sneak out there before the fish are bothered by the winter sun. Some wait until after breakfast to begin their slow journey to the river.
Fish the noon til 4pm slot until the sun stays out later if you like the meat of the day. As the winter fades to spring then you may begin to enjoy the morning more often. But that is a couple, or a few months away. Nymphers come on strong in January.
The primary attack for fish catching includes anything pink. Or at least start with anything and then figure it out. Firebeads are really a hot ticket in the next couple months. Really strong through the end of spring.
Fish the real winter water all month long. The stale stuff. Almost stopped, yet still moving. The inside bends towards the end of the moving area. Then focus on depth. The water is pretty low so go with shorter than normal rigs. Split or not is your choice. A house divided on this lead filled topic.
Swingers comprise about half of the winter Missouri River angling participation stats. Skagit fishers are getting fish on the line. Fishing pretty well from top thru the canyon. Check with the shop before heading out for not only boat ramp health but shelf ice coverage
Open daily for all things Trout. Your leading Montana fly shop for all things Trout Spey.
We have the full lines of RIO, Scientific Angler, OPST, and Airflo spey lines, tips ,and accessories. Headhunters Fly Shop is the authority in this arena with the entirety of the staff engaged and involved with the two handed rod all winter long.
January is a busy month for booking spring, summer, and fall guide trips and nightly Missouri River lodging. You want to start your Missouri River legacy this year? Or continue your family Montana trip? Start making your Montana trout memories by getting your name on the books for 2026.
Headhunters open daily 8-5. Enjoy your January whether you be skiing, finishing up the waterfowl season, fishing, or hibernating. Give us a shout. We love talking trout!