Winter and early spring is often considered a “shoulder season”. Not “peak”. That is really downplaying some fantastic fishing around here. The peak part would have to do more with “not super nice summer weather” or numbers of visitors to our area are up in the summer. All makes sense. For sure it does also fish really good during peak too. It is “peak”, after all. But ask the guides, this is when they get to hold cork themselves and get after it. They can attest to the good fishing and prime time to find some real dandies. Shoulder season is no slouch.
What’s the “Shoulder” Season Hype?
The pros to fishing February and March to start off with are lack of crowds. A lot of days you are lucky to see another boat or two. All the prime gravy, high rent district buckets are all yours. It is also not uncommon to have some really good numbers, whack-on–em situations. That pro right there makes it worthwhile alone. Another plus, it is a good time to find some big fish. Streamer fishing can be good. Those big fish can be targeting and focus on smaller fish on the menu. Calories in for out, and with the winter time hatches being made up of midges and smaller macro-invertebrates switching to a bigger prey-based diet works. This bodes well for those that like to streamer fish.
See above again, pro number one, that with the lack of pressure you get to fish a lot of prime streamer water first or the only one and get a better chance of finding those fish that are looking for a big meal. You get to knock on ever door first and streamer fishing can be the battle of attrition and knocking on doors. Fall fishing for browns can be good for sure, but this time of year it is targeting actively feeding, hunger trout.
The Big Horn
Another plus is that we also head up to Bighorn and that can be a great time up there. The basin can be less windy and a little warmer. So, we have the option to go to an area with solid fishing and sometimes even better weather than here on the Reef and Mile. If you have not experienced that fishery in February, March and April, it should go on the list of things to do in 2026.
Bang for your Buck
You can also take advantage of our off-season rates. Add an extra trip in before peak at a discounted price and take care of some cabin fever. The guides are ready and like getting out. Most are fun fishing and taking advantage of the consistently quality fishing to be had and looking for that big guy. You might as well join them.
Come Prepared
The only real con to this time of year is the potential for cold weather. Good quality gear dressing in layers is the cure for that. Hand warmers and taking breaks to warm up is no big deal with the lack of pressure and the “rushed’ feeling. Fishing in weather is a mindset. Go with it, stay warm and you are rewarded more times than not.
