2014 Montana SnowPack Update

Posted on May 13, 2014June 2, 2022 by Eric Adams

2014 Montana Snowpack Preface:

Every year we discuss the Montana snowpack – why? Well, if trout live in cool waters then trout anglers should have a keen interest in researching how much cool water might be in store for the fishing season. Cool water lends itself to happy, healthy trout – and what Montana fly fishing aficionado wouldn’t want that.

One thing we should point out is that in 15 years of professional guiding and piscatorial acumen (define as “fish freak”) the weather trumps all snowpack conditions. A couple of weeks of seasonally high temperatures can turn high snowpack into below average. At Montana, Fly Fishing Guides can only speculate based on experience and some research.

High snowpack isn’t always bad. Don’t make dramatic changes to your Montana fly fishing trip just because the snowpack is high. Instead, stay in contact with your fishing outfitter or well-informed fly shop and follow the trends.

Make adjustments to your trip based on the latest actual information, not wild speculation. Fortunately, in Montana, we have a variety of waters that hold their own during big runoff events such as the spring creeks and the Missouri River.

Current Montana Snowpack Conditions:

The 2014 Montana snowpack has slowly begun to melt off, and slowly might be the keyword. According to several sources in our research (NRCS & Livingston Enterprise), the snow water equivalent reached all-time record high levels. While the 2014 Montana snowpack and precipitation were near normal at the start of the water year (October 2013), January started an increasing precipitation trend. Along with the average to cooler temperatures this winter most of the snowpack continued to build.

The graph below displays snow water equivalent (SWE) and precipitation at the NE Gate SNOTEL site located in the Upper Yellowstone River Drainage. The take away points for this graph are that both overall precipitation (dark red) and SWE (dark blue) are well above the 30 years average. Remember the record-setting flood of 1996, 1997 and 2011? Well, that was in the past 30 years and it looks like we could have our hand full again this season. Once again it all depends on the weather in the next few weeks.

Current Precipitation by River Drainage:

Depending on where you plan on fishing this summer you can bet that you’ll have at least enough water for most if not all of the 2014 fishing season. As you can see every major drainage throughout the state is over 100% of average. The winner for at the moment is the Yellowstone River with a massive 131% of normal precipitation.

Anglers fishing the areas with over 115% of normal precipitation should definitely talk to their outfitter or guide about the specific locations.

What Does This Mean To You the Angler?

Well first of all the private water (lakes & spring creeks) and many of the tailwaters like the Madison River and Missouri River will fish just fine. The freestone streams like the Yellowstone, Boulder, Stillwater, Smith, and others will likely be fish-able later than normal. For example, the Yellowstone over the past 100+ years has typically started fishing around the 4th of July. This year depending on the weather and run-off it will likely be a week or two later. We’ll see.

If you typically fish freestone streams our recommendation would be twofold. If you haven’t yet booked your Montana fly fishing trip we’d recommend fishing in August, September, and October. The water levels should be fantastic and after a summer of cool water, the fishing should be fantastic. If you have already made your plans don’t fret. This is likely not your fishing outfitter’s first rodeo (if it is you should rethink your choice). Experienced, veteran Montana fly fishing guides have dealt with this their entire guiding career – they have options and trust us when we say they want to catch fish just as bad or more than you do. They will do their best to get you on the best option for the day. As the angler be understanding and flexible – remember the whole idea behind your fly fishing should be to have an enjoyable day on the water.

Our final thought on the anticipated high water is that we should all be excited we have lots of cold, clear water. This is only going to help our trout spawn, thrive and survive the tougher months of the year. We have such a good snowpack and precipitation this season the 1-year forecast is for a markedly improved drought status (above) for Montana and much of the inter-mountain West. Cheers for a lack of drought and lots of cold water!

Montana Snowpack May 2013

Posted on May 2, 2013June 2, 2022 by Eric Adams

Montana Snowpack May 2013 – Updated

It is shaping up to be pretty good with regards to Montana snowpack May 2013. A good early season in October/November (2012) gave way to a sluggish mid-winter. However, as has been typical in the past several years colder than average temperatures and average precipitation has brought our Montana snowpack up to 100% in most drainages and slightly more (104%) on the Yellowstone River drainage. As we all know more water means healthy, happy trout.

As far as run-off goes and when we’ll start fishing the Yellowstone River and surrounding rivers is anyone’s guess. Tony Valeriano from our core Montana Fly Fishing Guides’ staff is renowned for saying, “I’ll tell you more in October”. However, at this point with the weather forecast outlook and current snowpack, we would make an educated guess of late June or early July. Maybe just in time for Salmonflies!

As always we’ll keep you posted, but make sure to follow our Wade Deeper Blog and for weekly updates like us on Facebook.

Montana Snow Pack March 2013

Posted on March 27, 2013May 29, 2019 by Eric Adams

The Montana snowpack March 2013 is predicting a promising upcoming fishing season. We’ve compiled the best data available to us in order for you to make your best decision in planning your next Montana fly fishing trip.

As those of you who follow this information know nearly all of our Montana river water levels are determined from our winter snows. There are a few things to take note of with regard to Mountain Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). Material presented here is updates as of March 27th.

The Good:

Virtually all of the major drainages have gained moisture in the past month and coupled with slightly cooler temperatures for much of March SWE has increased. Highlights include the Upper Yellowstone, Missouri River, Boulder, Madison, Gallatin and Bighorn are all looking at near average mountain snow water equivalent. As you’ll see from the image below there are no orange or red markers anywhere in the entire state – obviously a good thing. Specific SWE data can be found at the National Resource Conservations Service.

Locations to keep an eye on:

Those drainages that have been struggling with moisture such as the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Jefferson and much of eastern Montana including the Stillwater and Bighorn will likely have lower than normal stream flows. The National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center has issued the following 3-month outlook for Montana.

As seen from this image Montana has a 33% chance of having higher than average temperatures and a 33% chance of having lower than normal precipitation in the months of June, July and August. Coupled with the image above we’d recommend avoiding the aforementioned rivers in late August and September IF this forecast, in fact, becomes reality.

So what does this all mean:

First off with the recent years of good water conditions throughout Montana trout populations have increased or held steady. Our prediction is quality fishing throughout the state. In light of all the information available we are not seeing a drought trend for most of the major fisheries. In fact, the majority of Montana drainages, particularly ones fly fishers are concerned about, are indeed near normal water conditions for this point of the season. So water conditions are looking good.

Second, all of this information is only as good as right now. Tomorrow it could change with one warming or cooling trend. All of us remember the freakishly cool and wet spring a couple of seasons ago that had every guide in the state looking for fishable trout water through late July. We all know how difficult it is to forecast weather day-to-day let alone months in advance of our scheduled fly fishing trip.

Finally, planning a fly fishing trip to Montana takes months of advanced planning to coordinate fishing partners/family, arrange travel, lodging, and your favorite fishing guide. So we recommend you continue with these plans, but keep an eye on the weather, snow, and streamflows. Typically most good anglers and guides adjust their fishing strategies to the conditions and it looks like this season will be no exception. Good fishing to you and we look forward to seeing you this season!

Montana Snow Pack February 2013

Posted on February 5, 2013May 29, 2019 by Eric Adams

Forget about that silly ~~over weight rodent~~ Punxsutawney Phil, the ever watchful eyes of Montana Fly Fishing Guides will keep you up to date on the fishing forecast This is the time of year when we focus on the Montana snowpack 2013, because as most of you know the winter snows are the main reason our Montana rivers run throughout the summer.

So far this 2013 fishing season we are looking dead on normal in the Yellowstone, Boulder, Madison and Gallatin drainages. The Missouri River drainage is a bit low for the moment, but we’ve got plenty more winter in the Montana forecast so don’t fret yet.

Keep that snow flying – just in moderate amounts…