Published: February 15, 2026
Location: Missouri River below Holter Dam & Land of Giants (Gates of the Mountains)
Water Temp: Mid-30s°F | Flows: 3,200-3,400 CFS | Conditions: Fishable, mild temps
Current Conditions: Winter Fishing Window Open
February has delivered surprisingly mild conditions on the Missouri River, creating excellent winter fishing opportunities both below Holter Dam and on the Land of Giants section. Above-freezing temperatures throughout much of the month have allowed consistent fishing days when many anglers assume the river is locked down.
Ice Status: Little to no shelf ice on the lower Mo. Ice is off upper Holter Lake, and Gates of the Mountains Marina is open for Land of Giants access. This is earlier than typical years, providing extended access to one of Montana’s premier winter fisheries.
Water Conditions: Flows around 3,200-3,400 CFS—ideal flows for the walk & wade angler. Water temperatures hover in the mid-30s, cold enough to slow trout metabolism but not so frigid that fish stop feeding entirely.
Weather Pattern: Mild temperatures have been the story this February. While we’ve seen typical Montana winter swings, extended periods above freezing have made for comfortable fishing days and pleasant conditions.
Fishing Techniques: What’s Working Now
Nymphing: The Bread and Butter
Nymphing remains the most consistent approach during February on the Missouri River. Trout are holding in slower, deeper water where they can conserve energy while still intercepting drifting food.
Target Water: Look for slow winter lies—inside bends, deep pools, soft seams behind structure, and anywhere current breaks. Avoid fishing fast riffles; trout won’t burn calories fighting current in cold water when easier feeding lies exist nearby.
Depth is Critical: Get your flies down. Trout aren’t moving far to eat in mid-30s water—your flies need to drift in the zone. Play with depth and weight to get it down.
Essential Nymph Patterns:
Sow Bugs (#14-16): The winter staple. Ray Charles, Tailwater Sow, and Firebead patterns in rainbow, and pink produce. Sow bugs are available year-round and trout key on them when other food sources diminish.
Scuds (#14-16): Gray, rainbow, and pink scuds.
Zebra Midges (#16-20): Black and red Zebra Midges remain productive throughout winter. Size down to 18-20 when fish are selective. Midges hatch sporadically during warmer afternoons, keeping trout aware of these food sources.
Dry Fly Fishing: Windows of Opportunity
February dry fly fishing on the Missouri River occurs during brief windows on calm, afternoons when midge hatches occur. It’s not consistent enough to plan trips around, but when conditions align, it’s rewarding.
Effective Patterns:
Single Midges (#18-22): Griffith’s Gnat, small Parachute Adams. Presentation must be delicate—fine tippet (4X-5X) and drag-free drifts.
Cluster Midges (#16-18): When midges hatch heavily, they cluster on the surface. Griffith’s Gnat in larger sizes imitates these clusters and provides better visibility than tiny single midges.
Realistic Expectations: Dry fly fishing in February is a bonus, not a plan. Bring midge patterns and stay alert for surface activity, but don’t expect consistent rising fish.
Streamer Fishing & Trout Spey:
Trout Spey Below Holter Dam: Two-handed rods allow efficient coverage of winter water. Swinging streamers through soft seams and tailouts has been pretty good from Bull Pasture all the way down into the canyon.
Standout Streamer Patterns:
Kreelex (#6-10): This winter’s MVP streamer. The Kreelex’s flash and baitfish profile trigger strikes even in cold water. Silver and pearl variations have been most productive.
Thin Mint Bugger (#6-10): Black and olive Woolly Buggers remain reliable winter producers. The Thin Mint variation (black/olive combination) has been particularly effective this February.
Presentation Tips: Slow your retrieve. Winter trout won’t chase fast-moving flies. Use steady, methodical strips with pauses. Let flies sink and swing naturally through likely holding water.
Land of Giants: Gates of the Mountains Fishing
The Land of Giants section below Hauser Dam has fished exceptionally well this February. With Gates of the Mountains Marina open, we’ve had consistent access to this remarkable fishery.
Current Tactics: Nymphing deep runs with sow bugs and scuds has been most productive. Fishing bugger under indicators along the canyon walls and structure have produced larger fish.
Snowpack Outlook: Looking Ahead to Runoff
Our current snowpack sits below average for mid-February. This raises questions about spring runoff and summer water availability.
Current Snowpack: Below normal across the State. We’re watching snowfall closely over the coming weeks.
Spring Runoff: May be shorter and less intense than typical years if snowpack remains light. This could mean earlier transition to prime dry fly season. We would love to see 10,000 CFS or better.
Summer Flows: Potentially lower summer flows if snowpack doesn’t improve. We’re still within the window for meaningful accumulation—March and April often deliver significant moisture in Montana with 39% of the Missouri’s water coming from the Jefferson.
Bottom Line: We’re monitoring snowpack but not concerned yet. There’s still time for winter storms to bolster the snowpack, and current conditions are creating excellent fishing.
February Fishing Forecast: Next Two Weeks
Weather Outlook: Mild pattern likely continues with typical winter fluctuations. Plan for layered clothing and be prepared for Montana’s unpredictable weather swings.
Best Fishing Days: Target stable weather periods between fronts.
Techniques to Emphasize: Nymphing remains most reliable. Streamer fishing for anglers seeking larger fish and willing to work for them. Watch for midge hatches during warmest parts of mild days.
Tips For Dry Fly Fishing the Missouri
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