Recent cold temperatures have created quite a bit of shelf ice and floating slush ice on the Yellowstone lately. These conditions make it nearly impossible to fish the river effectively. Although temps are climbing back into the high 20’s later this week, they are also expected to be accompanied by heavy southwest winds from 11 to 55 mph. This means the wind chill values are as low as -25 to -30. One big plus to all the recent storms is that most of Montana’s Snow Pack is looking good, with many river basins now close to, (or over)100%. If the weather improves next week consider fishing one of the Paradise Valley spring creeks. While you may have to battle the snow and wind, at least the creeks themselves will be free from ice or slush. If you do venture outdoors, be smart by layering and bundling up appropriately.
