Booking Made Easier This Year
I’m moving to a new booking platform this season, and it’s going to make things a lot easier—from choosing your date to handling the paperwork in one place. It’s simple, fast, and clean. If you ever prefer to talk things through or set something up directly, you can always call or text me at 406-224-0456.
A Note to My Clients
Thank you to everyone who has fished with me this past season and over the years. I’m grateful for every trip and every returning client who has become part of this work. My goal each year is to guide as much as I can and fish every stretch I’m allowed to fish, from the spring creeks all the way down to Columbus. Rowing that full run of the Yellowstone for the second year in a row reminded me how lucky I am to share this river with you.
As we move into winter, if you’re in Livingston or Bozeman and want a quiet, unique day on the creeks, that’s exactly why I put together the winter special. It’s weather dependent, and we’ll play things by ear, but if you want to get outside and get western, just reach out.
Why Winter Is Worth Your Time
Winter on Armstrong’s, DePuy’s, and Nelson’s has a calm, focused pace. The summer pressure disappears, and the spring-fed temperatures keep trout active when most other water slows or freezes. Most days give you a solid mid-day window with slow, technical sight-fishing that feels completely different from summer.
Warming Huts and Comfort
Warming huts on DePuy’s and Armstrong’s make winter fishing comfortable. They give you a place to thaw your hands, switch flies without the wind, and take short breaks before stepping back in. Most anglers are surprised by how manageable winter feels because of that simple rhythm: fish, warm up, fish again
What Trout Eat in Winter
Winter brings a simple and steady food source, which is what makes fishing these creeks so approachable this time of year.
Midges
The bulk of the winter diet is midge-based:
small midge nymphs (18–24) • sparse emergers • single adults or small clusters on calm days• and of course the red and silver zebra midge.
Scuds
Scuds stay active in winter and always deserve a spot in the rotation—pink, olive, or tan.
Baetis/BWO Trickles
On gray, low-wind days you may see a thin BWO pop. It’s not common, but it’s worth being prepared with a small emerger or dry in size 18–22.
If you’re in Town This Winter
Whether you’re skiing at Bridger, spending a weekend at Chico, visiting Yellowstone, or just passing through Livingston, a winter day on the creeks is something you’ll remember. It’s quiet, technical, and surprisingly comfortable.
If you want to book a winter creek day, reach out and we’ll choose a day that looks right with the weather
