Hatch Calendar

South Platte River — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate. Fish midge pupa and larva sub-surface. Dry fly action rare but possible on warm afternoons with a Griffiths Gnat #22.

Arkansas River — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate. Best action on sunny afternoons when fish move to feed. Streamer fishing can produce large browns in Salida corridor.

Arkansas River — Pueblo Tailwater — January

Tailwater flows consistent below Pueblo Reservoir year-round. Midges (size 20-26) primary. Trophy rainbows in the first 4 miles below the dam are active even in January. City Park access keeps you off ice.

Blue River — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate all winter. Mysis shrimp imitations (size 16-20, white/cream) are effective year-round — Dillon Reservoir flushes Mysis into the tailwater constantly. One of Colorado's most reliable cold-weather fisheries.

Bear Creek — January

Small stream in winter. Fish move to deep pools. Midges (size 22-24) primary. Below 15 CFS conditions get very tough. Check gauge before driving out.

Colorado River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominant. Big river in winter — fish deep runs and slow edges near Kremmling. Streamers productive for large browns.

Frying Pan River — January

Midges (size 20-26) dominate this tailwater year-round. Consistent flows below Ruedi hold large selective rainbows even in January — one of Colorado's best winter fisheries. Fish midge larva and pupa in slots and seams.

Roaring Fork River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary in lower canyon near Glenwood Springs. Upper sections near Basalt fish better in winter — less icing. Streamers for large browns in deep runs.

Cache la Poudre River — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate the canyon. Fish deep pools below Poudre Park on sunny afternoons. BWOs possible on mild days. Front Range location means milder winters than mountain streams.

Taylor River — January

World-class midge fishing year-round (size 22-28). Reservoir regulation maintains 40-50°F water all winter. Large rainbows and browns active in deep canyon pools. This is one of Colorado's premier winter fisheries.

Gunnison River — January

Midges (size 20-24) and streamers dominate. Black Canyon access is very difficult in winter. Lower river near Delta more accessible but colder. Streamers for large browns in deep runs.

Eagle River — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate. Eagle River runs through the I-70 corridor — accessible in winter from the interstate. Fish deep pools near Minturn and Gypsum. Streamers productive for large fish.

Yampa River — January

Midges (size 20-24) and streamers dominate. Steamboat Springs section has decent winter access through town. Fish deep runs in the Fish Creek confluence area. Brown trout active in cold water.

Rio Grande — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary in the Gold Medal section. San Luis Valley winters can be brutal — temperatures well below zero possible. Fish deep pools near Wagon Wheel Gap when accessible.

Crystal River — January

Small stream in deep winter. Fish move to slow pools below Marble. Midges (size 22-24) primary. Crystal Valley road can be difficult — check conditions before heading above Redstone.

Dolores River — January

Tailwater below McPhee Reservoir maintains consistent flows year-round. Midges (size 20-24) dominant. Large rainbows and browns active in cold weather. Southwest Colorado location means milder winters than mountain rivers.

North Platte River — January

Extreme cold in North Park — temperatures well below zero common. Midges (size 22-26) when accessible near Walden. Wild brown trout in deep pools. This is remote, cold, and serious winter fishing. AWD and warm gear required.

Slate River — January

Small alpine stream in deep winter. Crested Butte receives massive snowpack — access on Slate River Road possible when plowed. Midges (size 22-24) primary. Wild fish dormant in deep pools.

San Juan River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary through Pagosa Springs Riverwalk. Pagosa has a mild mountain climate — warmer than northern Colorado. Wild rainbows and browns active in slower stretches below town.

Animas River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary through Durango. Animas flows through downtown — city park access year-round. Wild browns in deep pools below the Lightner Creek confluence. Streamers productive for larger fish.

East River — January

Small freestone river in deep winter. Gothic and upper sections inaccessible. Midges (size 22-24) in slow pools near Crested Butte. Wild cutthroat and browns dormant in deep runs. CB access only.

Fraser River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Fraser runs along US-40 — road access good but cold. Grand County winters are extreme. Wild browns in deep pools near Tabernash. Moffat Tunnel diversion reduces gauge readings vs. actual flow.

Dream Stream — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary on this flat meadow water. January Dream Stream is for the committed — South Park at 9,000 ft in winter is brutally cold. Fish slow runs with long leaders and 6-7X tippet. Trophy browns active on sunny afternoons.

Gore Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary through Vail village. Gore Creek accessible year-round via the paved rec path — unique in Colorado. Cold alpine winter at 8,150 ft but the urban stretch stays open. Most of the valley is skiing in January.

Cheesman Canyon — January

Midges (size 22-26) on remote canyon water. The 5-mile hike on Gill Trail (#610) deters virtually all winter visitors — complete solitude in January. Fish slow pools and seams with long leaders. Cheesman is for the committed.

Williams Fork River — January

Midges (size 22-26) below Williams Fork Reservoir — one of Colorado's least-fished winter tailwaters. Quality brown trout with essentially zero competition. Reservoir regulation means consistent cold water year-round.

Colorado River — Gold Medal — January

Midges (size 20-24) and streamer fishing for large browns in the deep holes. This is float territory in winter — wade access is minimal. Big attractor streamers in the slow edges and eddies. Runoff season still months away.

Conejos River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Conejos River in January is remote and cold — San Luis Valley and Conejos County winters are serious. Wild Rio Grande Cutthroat dormant in deep pools. Access via CO-17 requires checking road conditions.

San Miguel River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Upper Telluride sections (8,750 ft) are cold and potentially iced over. Lower canyon sections near Norwood and Naturita more accessible. San Miguel in January is a remote winter adventure.

Lake Fork of the Gunnison — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Lake City and the Lake Fork in January is extreme — Lake San Cristobal area is remote and cold. Fish deep pools below the lake outlet. Virtually no angling pressure December through March.

North Platte River — Grey Reef — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this tailwater year-round. Streamers (Wooly Buggers, Sex Dungeons) for trophy browns staging in deep runs. Grey Reef releases keep water near 40°F — fish active all winter.

North Platte River — Miracle Mile — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this remote tailwater year-round. Streamers for trophy browns. Seminoe Reservoir keeps water cold but flowing. Remote — check road conditions.

Snake River — January

Limited winter fishing — most sections ice over or run very low. Midges (size 22-24) on rare mild days in lower river. Most anglers wait for spring. Check conditions before driving.

Green River — Fontenelle — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this tailwater year-round. Fontenelle releases keep water cold and consistent. Streamers for big browns. One of WY's most reliable winter fisheries.

Shoshone River — January

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days near Cody. Most upper sections frozen — fish lower river below Buffalo Bill Reservoir. Streamers in deep pools.

Bighorn River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this tailwater year-round. Below Bighorn Lake stays open all winter — releases keep water cold and consistent. Streamers for trophy browns.

Laramie River — January

Limited winter access — most sections ice over. Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in deeper pools. Plan for spring through fall.

New Fork River — January

Limited winter fishing — most sections frozen. Midges (size 22-24) on rare warm days in deeper pools. Plan for late spring through fall.

Hoback River — January

Limited winter fishing — Hoback Canyon mostly frozen. Some lower sections near Snake River confluence may have midge action on warm days. Plan for late spring.

Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone — January

Midges (size 22-24) dominate canyon pools — limited winter fishing in the dramatic Clarks Fork canyon north of Cody. Most upper sections snowed in along the Beartooth. Plan for late spring through fall.

Salt River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Salt freezes through Star Valley meadow stretches. Some spring-fed sections may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Green River — January

Midges (size 18-22) dominate this Flaming Gorge tailwater year-round. Reservoir releases keep water cold and consistent — Section A from the dam to Little Hole fishes in any weather. Streamers for trophy browns. One of the West's most reliable winter fisheries.

Provo River (Middle) — January

Midges (size 20-26) dominate this Jordanelle tailwater year-round. The Middle Provo fishes through the coldest weeks thanks to dam releases. Wading near Heber can be icy but the fishing is reliable. 6X tippet, precise drifts.

Weber River — January

Limited winter fishing — Echo tailwater section stays open with midges (size 22-24) but lower stretches through Weber Canyon often ice over. Streamers for browns in deeper holes.

Ogden River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this Pineview tailwater year-round. Reservoir releases keep the Ogden Canyon reach open through cold weeks. Streamers for browns in deeper pockets.

Strawberry River — January

Limited winter fishing — Strawberry Reservoir releases keep the WMA section flowing but the canyon reach often ices in. Plan for late spring through fall.

Logan River — January

Limited winter fishing — Logan Canyon stretches freeze. Lower river near Logan may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Bear River — January

Limited winter fishing — Bear River through Cache Valley partially ices. Some lower stretches near Smithfield may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons.

Beaver River — January

Limited winter fishing — Beaver River freezes in most sections through the Tushars. Plan for late spring through fall.

Fremont River — January

Limited winter fishing — Fremont River freezes in most upper sections. Some deeper pools near Bicknell may hold midge-feeding fish on warm afternoons (size 22-24).

East Fork Sevier River — January

Limited winter fishing — Kingston Canyon freezes in most sections. Some deeper pools may hold midge-feeding fish on warm afternoons (size 22-24).

Oak Creek — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary on this lower-elevation Sedona canyon stream. AZGFD typically stocks rainbows through cool months — fishing is best within a week of a stocking drop. Quiet weekday mornings rather than weekends to avoid the Sedona crowds.

West Fork Oak Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominant in the deep canyon pools. Fly-fishing-only, catch-and-release year-round. Spring-fed flows keep the upper canyon fishable when other AZ streams are tough. Cold but quiet in winter.

East Fork Black River — January

Limited winter fishing — White Mountains heavily snowed in. Forest Road 276 typically impassable. Plan for late spring through fall.

West Fork Black River — January

Closed conditions — White Mountains heavily snowed in, primitive roads impassable. Plan for late June through October prime window.

North Fork White River — January

Limited winter fishing — White Mountains heavily snowed in. Tribal permits typically issued for the open season only. Plan for late spring through fall.

Canyon Creek — January

Limited winter fishing — primitive roads can be impassable after snow or rain. Some deeper pools may hold midge-feeding fish on warm afternoons (size 22-24). Quiet, cold canyon fishing.

Tonto Creek — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary. AZGFD typically stocks rainbows through cool months — fishing is best within a week of a stocking drop. Travertine springs near Natural Bridge add stable cold-water inputs.

Silver Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate this spring-fed Show Low creek year-round. Catch-and-release season (Oct 1 – Mar 31) — artificial flies or lures with single barbless hooks only. Cold but reliably fishable thanks to the constant spring source.

East Clear Creek — January

Limited winter fishing — Mogollon Rim country snowed in at elevation. Approach roads impassable after storms. Plan for late spring through fall.

Little Colorado River — January

Limited winter fishing — White Mountains snowed in. Some lower stretches near Springerville may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Chevelon Creek — January

Limited winter fishing — Mogollon Rim country at elevation. Approach roads impassable after storms. Plan for late spring through fall.

San Juan River — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominate this Gold Medal tailwater year-round. Navajo Dam releases keep water cold and consistent. Cluster patterns and tiny emergers — 6X-7X tippet required. Streamers for trophy browns.

Rio Grande — January

Limited winter fishing — Taos Box mostly frozen on shaded sections. Midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons in lower canyon. Plan for spring through fall on the Rio Grande.

Rio Chama — January

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in this El Vado tailwater. BWOs possible on overcast afternoons. Lower flows in winter make wading easier. Streamers for browns.

Cimarron River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of Cimarron Canyon ices over. Midges (size 22-24) possible in deeper pools on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Pecos River — January

Limited winter fishing — upper Pecos in the Sangre de Cristos heavily iced. Midges (size 22-24) possible in lower stretches near Pecos village on warm days.

Brazos River — January

Limited winter access — Brazos Box canyon road impassable in winter. Plan for late spring through early fall on this remote fishery.

Red River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Red River freezes through the town and upper sections. Midges (size 22-24) possible in deeper pools on warm afternoons.

Jemez River — January

Limited winter fishing — Jemez Mountains receive heavy snow but the lower Jemez near the springs stays fishable. Midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons.

Gila River — January

Year-round fishery at this elevation. Midges (size 20-24) primary in canyon pools. BWOs possible on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Cold mornings, mild middays — fish the warmest part of the day. Don't forget the free Gila Trout Conservation Permit.

Henry's Fork — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this spring-influenced river year-round. Box Canyon and Last Chance stretches stay open thanks to spring-fed flows. Streamers for big browns. Quiet, lightly pressured winter fishing.

South Fork Snake River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this Palisades tailwater year-round. Reservoir releases keep water near 40°F and consistent. Streamers for brown trout in deep runs. Big-water winter fishing for the dedicated.

Silver Creek — January

CLOSED — Silver Creek is closed December 1 through Memorial Day weekend. Plan your Silver Creek trip for late spring through fall.

Big Wood River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Big Wood freezes through Ketchum and Hailey. Some lower sections may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons.

South Fork Boise River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this Anderson Ranch tailwater year-round. Reservoir releases keep water cold and consistent. Streamers for trophy browns. One of ID's most reliable winter fisheries.

Salmon River — January

Limited winter fishing — most upper sections frozen. Some lower river opportunities for steelhead — the Salmon supports an annual steelhead run. Check IDFG seasonal regulations and bait/tackle rules.

Clearwater River — January

B-RUN STEELHEAD continuing — winter steelhead season on the Clearwater is legendary. Single-spey and skagit-style swung flies in deep runs. Resident trout limited — focus on steelhead. Check IDFG seasonal rules.

Lochsa River — January

CLOSED to most fishing in winter — Lochsa is catch-and-release only and most stretches close in winter for native cutthroat protection. Check IDFG regulations for current open dates.

Teton River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Teton freezes in the meadow stretches. Some spring-fed sections may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Fall River — January

Limited winter fishing — Fall River freezes in most sections. Some lower stretches near Ashton may stay open with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons.

St. Joe River — January

Limited winter fishing — most stretches closed for native cutthroat protection. Steelhead fishing on the lower St. Joe / Coeur d'Alene Lake system possible (where seasons allow). Check IDFG rules.

Middle Fork Clearwater River — January

STEELHEAD season continuing where IDFG seasons allow — winter steelhead run on the Middle Fork supports the legendary Clearwater system. Resident trout fishing limited. Check current IDFG regulations.

Selway River — January

CLOSED to most fishing in winter — Selway is catch-and-release only and most stretches close in winter for native cutthroat protection. Check IDFG regulations for current open dates.

Boise River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate year-round on this Lucky Peak tailwater. Reservoir releases keep flows fishable through the urban Greenbelt all winter. Streamers for trophy browns in deeper holes. One of ID's most reliable cold-weather walk-and-wade fisheries.

Madison River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate. Lower river below Ennis Lake stays open through cold snaps. Streamers for big browns in deep runs. Quiet winter fishing on one of the West's most famous rivers.

Missouri River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominate this Holter Dam tailwater year-round. Reservoir releases keep the Mo open through the coldest winters. Streamers for trophy browns in deeper runs. One of MT's most reliable cold-weather fisheries.

Yellowstone River — January

Limited winter fishing — most upper sections frozen. Lower Yellowstone below Livingston may stay open in mild stretches with midges (size 22-24). Plan for late spring through fall.

Big Hole River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Big Hole freezes through Wisdom and the upper valley. Some lower river opportunities near Melrose with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Bitterroot River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Bitterroot freezes through Hamilton. Lower river near Missoula confluence may have midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for the iconic Skwala hatch in March.

Clark Fork River — January

Midges (size 20-24) on warmer days in lower Clark Fork below Missoula. Some big-water winter opportunities for streamer anglers chasing trophy browns. Most upper sections freeze.

Blackfoot River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Blackfoot freezes through the upper valley. Some lower sections near Bonner with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Gallatin River — January

Limited winter fishing — Gallatin Canyon freezes through Big Sky. Some lower river opportunities below Bozeman with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Flathead River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Flathead system frozen through Glacier and the Bob Marshall. Plan for late spring through fall on this Wild & Scenic system.

Smith River — January

CLOSED to canyon access — float permits run May–July only. The Smith canyon is inaccessible by road. Apply for the FWP permit lottery by mid-February for next year's May–July float season.

Rock Creek — January

Limited winter fishing — most of Rock Creek freezes through the canyon. Some lower stretches near the Clark Fork confluence with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Stillwater River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Stillwater freezes through the canyon. Some lower stretches near Columbus with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Boulder River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Boulder freezes through the canyon. Some lower stretches near Big Timber with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Sun River — January

Limited winter fishing — Gibson Dam tailwater stays semi-open in some stretches with midges (size 22-24). Most of the Sun freezes east of Augusta. Plan for spring through fall.

Ruby River — January

Limited winter fishing — most of the Ruby freezes through the meadow stretches. Some tailwater sections below Ruby Reservoir with midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Rapidan River — January

Midges (size 20-26) on warmer afternoons. Small BWOs (size 20-22) possible on overcast days. Wild brookies hold deep — fish slow with a small attractor or tiny midge dropper.

South River — January

Midges (size 20-26) primary. Small BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Stocked rainbows and browns hold in deeper runs — slow nymph rigs and small streamers.

Jackson River — January

Midges (size 20-26) dominate — the Jackson tailwater fishes year-round below Gathright Dam. Small BWOs (size 22) on overcast afternoons. Cold consistent flows.

North Fork Shenandoah River — January

Limited trout fishing — winter stocking concentrated in select sections. Midges (size 20-24) primary where stocked. Lower river holds smallmouth in deep slow runs.

Bullpasture River — January

Most sections low and cold — wild brown and brook trout in deep pools. Midges (size 20-24) on warmer afternoons. Plan for spring through fall.

Maury River — January

Cold and low through Goshen Pass. Midges (size 20-26). Wild brown and rainbow trout in deep pools. Limited winter fishing — challenging wading in low flows.

Rose River — January

Cold backcountry headwaters — minimal winter activity. Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Native brook trout tucked into the deepest pools. Plan for spring.

Conway River — January

Cold remote backcountry — minimal winter activity. Midges (size 22-26). Native brookies tucked into deep pools. Plan for spring.

Passage Creek — January

Cold Fort Valley flows. Midges (size 20-26) on warmer afternoons. Wild brookies and browns in deep pools — limited winter activity.

Davidson River — January

Midges (size 20-26) dominate — Davidson fishes year-round in the Delayed Harvest sections. Small BWOs (size 22) on overcast afternoons. Slow nymph rigs in deep pools.

Watauga River — January

Cold high-elevation flows. Midges (size 20-26). BWOs (size 22) on warmer cloudy days. Stocked sections with limited activity — wild trout tucked into pools.

Nantahala River — January

Midges (size 20-26) year-round dominant — cold consistent dam releases. Small BWOs (size 22) on overcast afternoons. Reliable winter tailwater.

New River (North Carolina) — January

Cold New River winter — limited trout activity in headwaters. Smallmouth dormant. Midges (size 20-24). Plan for spring through fall.

Oconaluftee River — January

Cold Smokies headwaters — wild trout deep and slow. Midges (size 22-26). Limited winter activity. Cherokee Reservation section gets some pressure year-round.

French Broad River — January

Cold upper French Broad headwaters. Midges (size 20-26) primary. Stocked rainbows in select sections. Limited winter activity.

Cataloochee Creek — January

Remote GSMNP backcountry — limited winter activity. Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Wild brookies tucked into deepest pools. Plan for spring — long unpaved access road.

Linville River — January

Cold gorge water — limited winter fishing in the wilderness. Midges (size 20-26). Wild trout in deep pools. Hike-in conditions treacherous in winter.

Watauga River (Tennessee) — January

Midges (size 20-26) year-round dominant — cold consistent Wilbur Dam releases. Small BWOs (size 22) on overcast afternoons. One of the East's best winter tailwaters.

Little River — January

Cold Smokies headwaters — wild trout deep and slow. Midges (size 22-26). Limited winter activity. Plan for spring through fall.

Tellico River — January

Cold Cherokee NF freestone — limited winter activity. Midges (size 20-26). Wild rainbows tucked into pools. Plan for late March opener.

Cranberry River — January

Cold remote Monongahela backcountry — limited winter activity. Midges (size 22-26). Most anglers wait for spring. Plan for late March opener.

South Branch Potomac River — January

Cold limestone water — wild trout deep and slow. Midges (size 20-26). Smallmouth dormant in lower river. Limited winter trout activity.

Elk River — January

Cold Central Appalachian headwaters — wild brook and rainbow trout in deep pools. Midges (size 22-26). Limited winter activity.

Shavers Fork of the Cheat River — January

Cold high-elevation Mon NF flows — limited winter activity. Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Native brookies tucked into deepest pools. Plan for spring.

North Fork of the South Branch Potomac — January

Cold limestone canyon water — wild trout deep and slow. Midges (size 20-26). Smoke Hole Canyon dramatic but quiet in winter — limited activity.

Williams River — January

Cold remote Mon NF backcountry — limited winter activity. Midges (size 22-26). Native brookies tucked into deep pools. Plan for spring.

Greenbrier River — January

Cold limestone-influenced flows. Midges (size 20-26). Stocked trout in select sections. Wild trout deep in pools. Limited winter activity.

Beaverkill River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold pool-and-riffle water — fish deep slow seams. Fly shops at Roscoe quiet. Plan for April Hendrickson opener.

Willowemoc Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold water — fish deep slow seams. Junction Pool quiet. Plan for April Hendrickson opener.

East Branch Delaware River — January

Cold tailwater stays consistent — Pepacton releases moderate winter flows. Midges (size 22-26) primary. BWOs (size 22) on cloudy days. Wild browns active in deep tailwater seams.

West Branch Delaware River — January

Cold tailwater consistent — Cannonsville winter releases. Midges (size 22-26) primary. BWOs (size 22) cloudy days. Trophy wild browns in deep tailwater runs.

Esopus Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Freestone water cold and slow — fish deep pools above Phoenicia. Limited winter activity.

Schoharie Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Northern Catskills freestone cold — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Neversink River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold water — fish deep slow pools. Historic river quiet in winter.

Rondout Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26). Small upper Catskills tributary — cold and slow in winter. Limited activity.

Ausable River (East Branch) — January

High-elevation Adirondack water cold and locked. Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Most anglers wait for spring.

Ausable River (Main Stem) — January

Cold Adirondack winter — limited activity. Midges (size 22-26) on warmer days. Plan for spring.

Saranac River — January

Cold Adirondack winter — limited activity. Midges (size 22-26) on warmer days. Plan for spring.

Raquette River — January

Cold Adirondack winter — limited activity. Midges (size 22-26) on warmer days. Plan for spring.

Black River (upper) — January

Cold Adirondack foothills — limited winter activity. Midges (size 22-26). Plan for spring.

Penns Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary in cold limestone flows. BWOs (size 22) on overcast afternoons. Wild browns deep — slow nymph rigs.

Spring Creek — January

BWOs (size 20-22) and midges (size 22-26) year-round on this limestone spring creek. Stable cold flows below Bellefonte — one of the best winter fisheries on the East Coast. Sight-fishing wild browns in clear water.

Big Fishing Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Limestone influence keeps Class A wild browns active in deep pools. Slow nymph rigs.

Little Juniata River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Wild browns deep in pools — slow nymph rigs. Tyrone-to-Spruce Creek corridor quiet in winter.

Yellow Breeches Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary year-round on this limestone. BWOs (size 22) on cloudy mild afternoons. Boiling Springs section fishes well in winter.

Tulpehocken Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominant year-round on the Tully tailwater. Cold dam-controlled flows from Blue Marsh keep fish active. Cold winter fishery within an hour of Philly.

Brodhead Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold Pocono freestone — fish deep slow seams. Limited winter activity.

Bushkill Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Small freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Loyalsock Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold remote freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Pine Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold canyon water — limited winter activity. Hike-in gorge sections inaccessible.

Kettle Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold remote Potter County water — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Young Womans Creek — January

Cold remote Clinton County water — locked up. Plan for spring opener.

Battenkill River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Wild browns deep in pools — cold gin-clear water demands long leaders. Manchester/Arlington corridor quiet in winter.

White River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold central VT freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Mad River — January

Cold ski-country freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring opener.

Lamoille River — January

Cold northern VT freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Winooski River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold central VT mainstem — limited winter activity in upper sections.

Dog River — January

Cold small stream — locked up. Plan for spring.

Black River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold southern VT freestone — limited winter activity. North Springfield Lake provides some flow moderation downstream.

West River — January

Cold tailwater consistent in winter. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Spooky wild browns deep in tailwater seams. Check USACE release schedule.

Williams River — January

Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Cold small freestone — limited winter activity.

Missisquoi River — January

Cold far-northern VT water — locked up at higher elevations. Plan for spring opener.

West Branch Penobscot — January

Locked up — winter ice. Ripogenus releases minimal. Plan for May smelt run.

Kennebec River – East Outlet — January

Locked up. Plan for May smelt run.

Kennebec River – The Forks — January

Cold and quiet. Limited winter access. Plan for spring.

Dead River — January

Iced over. Plan for spring.

Sandy River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Carrabassett River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Magalloway River — January

Cold tailwater — Aziscohos releases minimal. Limited access in remote Rangeley region.

Narraguagus River — January

Cold Downeast water — limited winter activity. Plan for spring salter run.

Rapid River — January

Locked up. No road access — plan for May–October window.

Roach River — January

Locked up. Remote access — plan for spring.

Kennebago River — January

Locked up. Plan for May smelt run.

Ellis River — January

Cold small drainage — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Swift River — January

Cold pocket water — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Saco River — January

Cold large freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Androscoggin River — January

Cold big water — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Pemigewasset River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Wild River — January

Cold remote wilderness stream — locked up at elevation.

Ammonoosuc River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Connecticut River (Trophy Stretch) — January

Cold tailwater consistent — bottom-release dam keeps water from icing over completely. Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 22) on cloudy days.

Smith River — January

Cold small freestone — limited winter activity.

Cold River — January

Cold small mountain stream — limited winter activity.

Deerfield River — January

Cold tailwater — Midges (size 22-26) and BWOs (size 22) on warm days. Wading windows brief between releases.

Swift River — January

Year-round tailwater. MIDGES (size 22-28) the dominant winter food. BWOs (size 22) on cloudy days. Tiny dries and emergers.

Westfield River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

West Branch Westfield River — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter activity.

East Branch Westfield River — January

Cold freestone gorge — limited winter activity. Plan for spring.

Millers River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Squannacook River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Nissitissit River — January

Cold spring-fed freestone — limited winter activity.

Cold River — January

Cold mountain stream — limited winter activity.

Farmington River (MA Section) — January

Cold Berkshire freestone — limited winter activity.

Ware River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Farmington River — January

Year-round tailwater. MIDGES (size 22-28) primary. BWOs (size 22) on cloudy days. Long leaders, light tippets.

Housatonic River — January

Cold tailwater — Midges (size 22-26) and BWOs on warm days.

Salmon River — January

Cold tailwater — Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. C&R season.

Willimantic River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity. Cole Wilde TMA C&R only.

Natchaug River — January

Cold forest freestone — limited winter activity.

Shepaug River — January

Small spring-influenced freestone — limited winter activity.

Mad River — January

Small impoundment-fed stream — limited winter activity.

Bantam River — January

Lake-fed gentle flow — limited winter activity.

Blackledge River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Jeremy River — January

Small shaded freestone — limited winter activity.

Still River — January

Cold small freestone — limited winter activity. Still TMA C&R only.

Gunpowder Falls — January

Year-round tailwater — MIDGES (size 22-28) primary. BWOs (size 22) on cloudy days. Selective wild browns key on size 22+ patterns.

Little Gunpowder Falls — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Big Hunting Creek — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter activity. Year-round fly-only C&R within the park.

Savage River — January

Year-round Trophy Trout tailwater — MIDGES (size 22-28) primary. BWOs on warm days. Cold consistent water.

North Branch Potomac River — January

Cold tailwater — MIDGES (size 22-26) primary. BWOs (size 22) on warm days.

Youghiogheny River — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter activity at elevation.

Casselman River — January

Cold pastoral freestone — limited winter activity.

Antietam Creek — January

Cold limestone-influenced creek — limited winter activity.

Catoctin Creek — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Patuxent River — January

Cold tailwater — Midges (size 22-26) and BWOs on warm days.

Monocacy River — January

Warmwater river — limited trout activity.

South Branch Raritan River (Ken Lockwood Gorge) — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Musconetcong River — January

Cold limestone-influenced freestone — limited winter activity.

Big Flat Brook — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter activity.

Pequest River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Paulinskill River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Rockaway River — January

Cold tailwater — Midges (size 22-26) and BWOs on warm days.

Ramapo River — January

Cold freestone — limited winter activity.

Wanaque River — January

Cold tailwater — Midges (size 22-26) and BWOs on warm days.

Black River (Lamington River) — January

Cold gorge freestone — limited winter activity.

Pequannock River — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter activity.

Deschutes River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Steelhead season closing — wade carefully on icy banks.

McKenzie River — January

Midges (size 20-24). BWOs on overcast days (size 20-22). Cold but fishable — drift boats running.

Metolius River — January

Midges (size 22-26) year-round dominant. BWOs possible on overcast days. Cold spring creek — selective fish, long leaders.

North Umpqua River — January

Winter steelhead in lower river. Trout fishing slow — cold canyon water. Midges and BWOs on milder days.

Rogue River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD in middle and lower Rogue. Trout fishing slow above Lost Creek Lake. Midges on milder days.

Williamson River — January

Midges (size 22-26) year-round. BWOs on overcast days. Cold spring-fed flows — slow technical fishing.

Crooked River — January

Midges (size 20-24) year-round dominant. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Tailwater stays open all winter — one of OR's best cold-weather fisheries.

Fall River — January

Midges (size 22-26) year-round. BWOs on overcast days. Spring creek stays cold and clear — selective fish, long leaders.

Sandy River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season. Trout fishing slow — cold glacier flows. BWOs on milder days.

Clackamas River — January

Winter steelhead season. Cold flows. Midges and BWOs on milder days.

Grande Ronde River — January

Cold canyon water — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days.

Wallowa River — January

Cold mountain river — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days. Bull trout hold in deep pools.

John Day River — January

Cold high-desert canyon — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days.

Sprague River — January

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs on overcast days. Cold meadow flows — slow technical fishing.

Wood River — January

Midges (size 22-26) year-round. BWOs on overcast days. Spring creek stays cold and clear.

Hosmer Lake — January

Lake frozen — no fishing. Plan for late spring through fall.

Yakima River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Cold canyon water — fish midday on warmer days.

Wenatchee River — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days.

Methow River — January

Cold canyon water — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days. Steelhead season closures common.

Skagit River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — Skagit is one of the lower 48's most legendary winter steelhead rivers. Trout fishing slow — cold glacial flows.

Skykomish River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season. Cold cascade flows. Trout fishing slow — midges on milder days.

Stillaguamish River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — Stilly is one of WA's most important wild winter steelhead rivers. Cold flows. Trout fishing slow.

Sauk River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — the Sauk is one of the lower 48's most iconic swing-fly winter steelhead rivers. Cold glacial flows.

Hoh River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — the Hoh is one of the most iconic wild winter steelhead rivers in the lower 48. Cold rainforest flows.

Bogachiel River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — Bogey is a top OP wild winter steelhead river. Cold rainforest flows.

Queets River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — wilderness river through Olympic National Park. Heavy rain and high glacial flows common.

Sol Duc River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season — Sol Duc is a classic OP wild winter steelhead river. Cold rainforest flows.

Snoqualmie River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD season. Cold cascade flows. Sea-run cutthroat starting late month.

Spokane River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Cold urban flows — fish midday on warmer days.

Little Spokane River — January

Midges (size 22-26) year-round dominant. BWOs on overcast days. Cold spring-fed flows — selective fish, long leaders.

Naches River — January

Cold mountain freestone — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days.

Tucannon River — January

Cold canyon water — limited winter fishing. Midges on milder days.

Hat Creek — January

Midges (size 20-26) dominate. PG&E powerhouse releases keep wild section flows steady. Selective wild rainbows demand 6X tippet.

Fall River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Spring-fed flows stay constant year-round. Float tube or pram only — no wading on most reaches.

Pit River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary. PG&E powerhouse flows stay consistent year-round. Cold canyon — limited winter fishing.

McCloud River — January

Midges (size 20-24). Cold remote canyon — limited winter access. Native redband rainbows in deep pools.

Upper Sacramento River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominant. SKWALA STONEFLY (size 8-10) possible late month — the Upper Sac is one of the earliest Skwala rivers in the West.

Trinity River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak in the Lewiston tailwater — swung flies and indicator rigs. Midges and BWOs for resident rainbows.

Klamath River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD in the lower river. Cold weather, limited access. Watch for evolving CDFW regulations post-dam removal.

Feather River Low Flow Channel — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominant. PG&E low-flow channel stays cold and consistent year-round. Wild trout C&R section.

Truckee River — January

Midges (size 20-24) primary. Cold mountain water. Tahoe outflow keeps lower river fishable when other Sierra streams freeze.

Little Truckee River — January

Midges (size 20-24) dominant. Small tailwater — Stampede Reservoir keeps flows consistent. Selective wild trout.

East Walker River — January

Midges (size 22-26) primary. Bridgeport Reservoir tailwater stays consistent. Trophy browns require fine tippet and small flies.

West Walker River — January

Cold high-gradient stream — limited winter access. Midges on milder days when accessible.

Lee Vining Creek — January

Cold high-Sierra creek — limited winter access. Tioga Pass closes in winter; verify access before driving.

Owens River — January

Midges (size 20-26) primary. Pleasant Valley tailwater stays consistent year-round. Selective wild trout — 6X minimum.

Hot Creek — January

Midges (size 22-26) dominant year-round. Geothermally-influenced flows stay warm enough to fish through winter. Extremely selective wild rainbows.

San Joaquin River (Upper) — January

Cold high-Sierra canyon — most access closed. Winter wilderness, no realistic fishing window.

Kings River — January

Cold high-Sierra canyon — Kings Canyon Scenic Byway closed in winter. No practical fishing access.

Kern River — January

Cold mountain water — Kernville section accessible but cold. Wilderness Golden Trout reaches inaccessible (snow).

Russian River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak — fish entering the river through Sonoma County. Indicator nymphing and swung flies on the lower river.

Au Sable River — January

Closed to trout fishing — Michigan inland trout season is closed. Steelhead absent from the Au Sable mainstem. Off-season.

Au Sable North Branch — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Au Sable South Branch — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Pere Marquette River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD entering the river from Lake Michigan — peak holding water below Baldwin. Indicator nymphing with eggs, stonefly nymphs, and bead-head nymphs. Swung-fly for committed swing anglers.

Manistee River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD below Tippy Dam — one of Michigan's top winter steelhead fisheries. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs, bead-head nymphs in deep runs.

Muskegon River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD below Croton Dam — consistent tailwater flows hold fish year-round. Egg patterns, nymphs, and bead-heads in deep runs.

Jordan River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Boardman River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD on lower river — fresh access from Grand Traverse Bay following dam removals. Cold-water nymphing for committed anglers.

Betsie River — January

WINTER STEELHEAD entering from Lake Michigan at Frankfort. Cold-water nymphing in deep runs. Egg patterns and nymphs.

Pine River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Pigeon River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Sturgeon River — January

Closed to trout fishing on most sections. Some lower-river steelhead access via the Inland Waterway.

Black River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Two-Hearted River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Cold UP winter — most access roads impassable.

Fox River — January

Closed to trout fishing. UP winter.

Timber Coulee Creek — January

Closed to trout fishing — Wisconsin inland trout season closed. Off-season.

West Fork Kickapoo River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Kickapoo River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Black Earth Creek — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Mt. Vernon Creek — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Elk Creek — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Blue River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Seas Branch — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Tomorrow River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Wolf River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Bois Brule River — January

Closed to trout fishing on most reaches. Mays Ledges closed September 1–May 31. Verify open sections — Brule has complex year-round seasonal closures.

Namekagon River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

White River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Far north Wisconsin winter.

Prairie River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Oconto River — January

Closed to trout fishing on most reaches. Some lower-river steelhead access — verify WDNR.

Root River — January

Closed to trout fishing — MN inland trout season closed. Off-season.

South Branch Root River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

North Branch Root River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Whitewater River — January

YEAR-ROUND CATCH-AND-RELEASE inside Whitewater State Park boundaries. Midges and BWOs on warmer days. Outside park: closed.

Middle Fork Whitewater River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

North Fork Whitewater River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Trout Run Creek — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Rush Creek — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Straight River — January

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Knife River — January

Mostly closed for trout. Some lower-river steelhead access — verify MN DNR North Shore tributary rules.

Baptism River — January

Mostly closed for trout. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections — verify MN DNR North Shore tributary rules.

Cascade River — January

Mostly closed for trout. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections — verify MN DNR North Shore tributary rules.

Temperance River — January

Mostly closed for trout. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections — verify MN DNR North Shore tributary rules.

Brule River — January

Mostly closed for trout. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections — verify MN DNR North Shore tributary rules.

Poplar River — January

Mostly closed for trout. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections — verify MN DNR North Shore tributary rules.

Upper Iowa River — January

Year-round trout season in Iowa. Midges (size 22-26) primary in cold water. Limestone-spring temps stable through winter — fishable on warm afternoons. Big mainstem holds fish in deep runs.

Yellow River — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Limestone-spring flows stable through winter — fishable on warm afternoons.

Volga River — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Limestone-spring flows stable.

Turkey River — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Limestone-influenced flows stable through winter.

Bloody Run Creek — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. CATCH-AND-RELEASE ONLY, ARTIFICIALS ONLY. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold limestone-spring water stays open all winter.

Paint Creek — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold limestone-spring water stays open.

Bear Creek — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold limestone-spring water (North/South Bear) stays open all winter.

North Fork Maquoketa River — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Limestone-influenced flows stable through winter.

Waterloo Creek — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. ARTIFICIALS ONLY, C&R ONLY in posted sections — Iowa's most-famous catch-and-release stream. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold limestone-spring water stays open all winter. No live USGS gauge — gauge downgraded to stage-only in 2023; check with regional fly shops before driving.

French Creek — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold limestone-spring water stays open. No USGS gauge — fly shops are best source for current conditions.

Village Creek — January

Year-round Iowa trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold limestone-spring water stays open. No USGS gauge — fly shops are best source.

White River — January

Year-round Arkansas trout season. Midges (size 20-24) primary on the Bull Shoals tailwater. Cold dam-release flows stay in trout-water year-round. Scuds (size 14-18, olive/orange/pink) always productive.

North Fork River — January

Year-round Arkansas trout season. Midges (size 20-24) primary. Cold Norfork Dam release stays cold year-round. Scuds (size 14-18, olive/orange/pink) always productive.

Little Red River — January

Year-round Arkansas trout season. Midges (size 20-24) primary on the Greers Ferry tailwater. WORLD-RECORD WATER — 40 lb 4 oz brown trout 1992. Cold dam-release flows stay in trout-water year-round. Scuds (size 14-18) always productive.

Spring River — January

Year-round Arkansas trout season. Midges (size 20-24) primary on cold spring water. Mammoth Spring discharges rock-steady ~270 CFS at 58°F year-round. Scuds (size 14-18) productive.

Crooked Creek — January

Year-round Arkansas trout season. Midges (size 20-24) primary. Smaller Ozark freestone — colder than the tailwaters, depending on weather. Scuds (size 14-18) productive.

Chagrin River — January

STEELHEAD primary (egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers). Midges (size 22-26) for resident trout. Cold winter water — read the gauge before driving.

Grand River — January

STEELHEAD primary. Egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers. Super gauge (water-quality + flow) helps time the bite. Midges for resident fish.

Rocky River — January

STEELHEAD primary in Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. Egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers. Highly stocked — strong winter fishery.

Vermilion River — January

STEELHEAD primary. Egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers. Smaller water than Grand/Chagrin — drops out fast after rain spikes.

Conneaut Creek — January

STEELHEAD primary. Egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers. Smaller, intimate water near the OH/PA line.

Cuyahoga River — January

STEELHEAD primary in CVNP. Egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers. NPS optimal flow 250–350 CFS — read the Jaite gauge.

Ashtabula River — January

STEELHEAD primary. Egg patterns, sucker spawn, stoneflies, streamers. Smallest of the Steelhead Alley tribs — reads very small.

Mad River — January

Year-round Ohio trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary on this spring-fed limestone stream. Cold groundwater keeps fish active through winter.

Big Darby Creek — January

Cold-season smallmouth fishery — slow, deep nymphing if you fish. Scenic river designation; exceptional biodiversity.

Clear Fork of Mohican River — January

Cold winter on regulated flows below Clear Fork Reservoir. Midges (size 22-26) on stocked holdovers. Read both gauge and reservoir releases.

Current River — January

Year-round Missouri trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Streamers for big browns in cold water — pre-spawn / winter aggression. Spring-fed flow stays consistent through cold snaps.

Jacks Fork River — January

Year-round Missouri trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Streamers for big browns — winter pre/post-spawn aggression. Spring-fed flow from Alley Spring keeps system consistent.

Eleven Point River — January

Year-round Missouri trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary on this gin-clear Wild & Scenic river. Streamers for wild browns in cold water.

North Fork of White River — January

Year-round Missouri trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary on this spring-fed wild trout river. Streamers for big wild browns in cold water.

Huzzah Creek — January

Year-round Missouri trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary. Cold spring-fed flow holds stocked fish well through winter.

Gasconade River — January

Cold winter — focus the upper trout reach near Hazelgreen. Midges (size 22-26) on stocked trout. Slow, deep presentations.

Chattahoochee River (Helen Headwaters) — January

Year-round Georgia trout season. Midges (size 22-26) primary on stocked rainbows and browns. Fish slow, deep presentations on cold winter days. Below 50 CFS the river runs spooky-clear.

Chatooga River (Wild & Scenic Headwaters) — January

Year-round Georgia trout season. Midges (size 22-26) on wild rainbows and browns at Burrells Ford. Cold winter wading — wear cleated boots on the slick bedrock.

Tallulah River (Rabun County Headwaters) — January

Year-round Georgia trout season. Midges (size 22-26) on wild and stocked trout in the headwaters above the Georgia Power impoundment chain. Cold, low water — fish deeply.

Conasauga River (Cohutta Wilderness) — January

Year-round Georgia trout season. Cohutta Wilderness — long hike in. Midges (size 22-26) primary on the wild trout. Night fishing prohibited on the Conasauga watershed year-round.

Soque River — January

Year-round Georgia trout season. Midges (size 22-26) on wild and stocked trout. Most of the Soque is private — verify access before fishing.

Toccoa River (Blue Ridge Tailwater) — January

Year-round Georgia trout season. NO USGS GAUGE — check the TVA Blue Ridge Dam generation schedule (tva.com) before fishing. Midges (size 22-26) on the trophy tailwater browns. Non-generation flows ~15-30 CFS; generation 400-1200 CFS.

Kenai River — January

Alaska gauges typically offline Nov–April due to ice. River frozen on edges; resident rainbow trout fishery effectively closed. ⚠️ 2026 King salmon: FULL CLOSURE in effect for the entire 2026 season per ADF&G emergency order. Verify at adfg.alaska.gov.

Russian River — January

Off-season. Alaska gauges typically offline Nov–April due to ice. River frozen.

Anchor River — January

Off-season. Gauge typically offline due to ice. Plan for late August steelhead opener.

Gulkana River — January

Off-season. Gauge typically offline due to ice. Plan for June float-trip window.

Situk River — January

Late winter steelhead — small fishery for hardy locals. Yakutat heavy snow cover; access limited.

Naknek River — January

Off-season. Gauge may show data (lake-regulated, less ice impact than freestone systems) but the fishery is closed for practical purposes.

Spearfish Creek — January

Midges (#20–24), small Nymphs; Zebra Midge, WD-40

Rapid Creek (Pactola Tailwater) — January

Midges (#20–24), Scuds; tailwater reliability year-round

Rapid Creek (Rapid City) — January

Midges (#20–24)

Spring Creek — January

Midges (#20–24)

Whitewood Creek — January

Midges (#20–24)

Castle Creek — January

Midges (#20–24)

Cumberland River Tailwater — January

Midges (#20–24, Zebra Midge, WD-40), Blue-Winged Olives (late month). Subsurface midge rigs all day.

Hatchery Creek — January

Midges (#20–24), Scuds, Sowbugs. Subsurface presentations most effective.

Green River Tailwater — January

Midges, small Soft Hackles. Quiet winter fishery — cold tailwater holds stocked fish.

Barren River Tailwater — January

Midges, Scuds. Quiet winter fishery — fish deep below the dam.

Rockcastle River — January

Midges, Wooly Buggers for bass in deeper pools. Quiet — small dries occasionally.

Red River (Natural Bridge) — January

Midges (#20–24), BWO. C&R season — light traffic, small dries on warm afternoons.

Rock Creek — January

Midges (#20–24). Quiet — winter fishing for the dedicated.

Truckee River — January

Midges (#20–24); Pyramid Lake cutthroat moving upriver Dec–Apr

East Walker River — January

Midges (#20–24), Scuds; winter streamer fishing for trophy browns

West Walker River — January

Midges (#20–24)

East Fork Carson River — January

Midges (#20–24)

Lamoille Creek — January

Midges (#20–24); winter access may be limited by snow

South Fork Humboldt River — January

Midges (#20–24)

Guadalupe River — January

Midges (#18–24, Zebra Midge, black/red/olive); RS2 emergers; San Juan Worms; Pheasant Tail Nymphs

Llano River — January

Wooly Buggers (olive/black), small Streamers; slower winter fishing

Blanco River — January

Wooly Buggers; carp: San Juan Worms, Mop Flies in deeper pools

Pedernales River — January

Streamers; Wooly Buggers; fish deeper runs and pools

Frio River — January

San Juan Worms; Wooly Buggers; small Streamers for occasional stocked trout near Leakey

South Llano River — January

Streamers; Wooly Buggers; deep runs for larger bass

Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River — January

Midges (#18–24, Zebra Midge, RS2); small Streamers in deep pools

Cahaba River — January

Wooly Buggers; small Streamers; deep pool fishing for bass

Little River Canyon — January

Wooly Buggers; small Streamers; deeper pool fishing

Tallapoosa River — January

Midges (#18–24); Wooly Buggers; Streamers; trout in tailwater pools

Paint Rock River — January

Wooly Buggers; small Streamers; deep pools for bass

Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River — January

Wooly Buggers; Streamers; deep pools for smallmouth

Blue River — January

Midges (#18–24, Zebra Midge, RS2); small Streamers; winter stocked rainbows

Mountain Fork River — January

Midges (#18–24, Zebra Midge, WD-40); small Streamers; winter tailwater fishing

Illinois River — January

Wooly Buggers; Clouser Minnows; deep pool fishing; bass dormant

Baron Fork — January

Wooly Buggers; Clouser Minnows; deep pools; bass dormant in cold water

Glover River — January

Wooly Buggers; deep pool fishing; flows often too low to float safely

Kiamichi River — January

Wooly Buggers; Streamers; deep pool fishing for catfish and largemouth

South Platte River — February

Midges remain primary. First Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) appear on cloudy overcast days (size 20-22). Watch for surface feeding around midday.

Arkansas River — February

Midges year-round. BWOs beginning on warm/overcast days (size 20-22). Salida stretch has consistent winter midge action.

Arkansas River — Pueblo Tailwater — February

Midges continue (size 20-26). BWOs emerging on warm/overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Pueblo has a milder climate than mountain rivers — February is fishable when Front Range streams are frozen.

Blue River — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Mysis shrimp always a fallback. Flows stable below Dillon Dam — the Blue fishes when every other Summit County water is iced over.

Bear Creek — February

Midges continue. Stream waking up on warm days. BWOs possible on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Small water, small flies, light tippet.

Colorado River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on warm/cloudy days (size 20-22). Kremmling corridor has consistent winter midge action.

Frying Pan River — February

Midges primary (size 20-26). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Large rainbows require 6X tippet and precise drifts. The Pan fishes when every other river is iced up.

Roaring Fork River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on warm/overcast days (size 20-22). Basalt section most reliable access in February. Upper Fork near Aspen can be iced over.

Cache la Poudre River — February

Midges continue. BWOs picking up on warm/cloudy days (size 20-22). The Poudre fishes when mountain rivers are locked up — a key Front Range winter option for Fort Collins anglers.

Taylor River — February

Midges (size 22-28) dominant. Reservoir keeps flows stable and temperatures consistent. One of Colorado's top winter tailwaters — fish are numerous and large. 6X tippet required.

Gunnison River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on warm/overcast days (size 20-22). Gunnison holds trophy-sized fish year-round but access requires planning. Gorge trails may be icy.

Eagle River — February

Midges continue. BWOs beginning on mild/cloudy days (size 20-22). Eagle sees heavy pressure near Vail/Avon but far less downstream toward Gypsum. February is a good time to explore lower sections.

Yampa River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on mild/overcast days (size 20-22). Lower Yampa near Craig sees less pressure than Steamboat and can produce well in late winter.

Rio Grande — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on warm/sunny afternoons (size 20-22). South Fork section near Wagon Wheel Gap has better winter access than upper Creede reach. Worth the long drive if conditions cooperate.

Crystal River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on warm/cloudy days (size 20-22). Crystal fishes well in February when accessible. Carbondale section most reliable winter access.

Dolores River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). McPhee tailwater is one of Southwest Colorado's best winter fisheries. Cortez/Dolores area accessible when northern rivers are frozen.

North Platte River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on rare mild/overcast days. North Park begins warming in late February but remains cold. The Walden meadows are most accessible in winter. Northgate Canyon too remote for most in February.

Slate River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on sunny afternoons (size 20-22). Slate River Rd improves in late February. Small stream patience required — fish spook easily in cold clear water.

San Juan River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on warm afternoons (size 20-22). Pagosa Springs is accessible year-round — the West Fork section above town remains fishable in mild winters.

Animas River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on mild/overcast days (size 20-22). Durango's mild La Plata County climate makes February fishing more comfortable than northern Colorado. Gold Medal section accessible year-round.

East River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on sunny afternoons (size 20-22). Lower sections near Almont and CB South more accessible than upper Gothic reach in February.

Fraser River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on mild overcast days (size 20-22). Fraser Valley warms slightly. Pre-runoff fishing can be good in late February if Moffat diversion is running low.

Dream Stream — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). BWOs possible on mild overcast days (size 20-22). South Park's cold, arid climate means February is challenging but uncrowded. Long leaders essential on flat meadow water — fish can see you from 40 feet.

Gore Creek — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). BWOs possible on warm/overcast afternoons (size 20-22). February on Gore Creek is lightly fished — resort town is focused on the mountain, not the stream. Enjoy the solitude.

Cheesman Canyon — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). BWOs possible on warm afternoons (size 20-22). February on Cheesman Canyon: quality fish, zero competition. Clear water demands 7X tippet even in cold conditions.

Williams Fork River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Williams Fork in February: reliable fishing in Grand County while everyone else is at the Blue River or Frying Pan. Verify current access maps.

Colorado River — Gold Medal — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Streamer fishing productive in winter flows. Float fishing not common in February but the wade access at Pumphouse can be productive on mild days.

Conejos River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on mild afternoons (size 20-22). February on the Conejos is virtually unpressured. Wild cutthroat in their stronghold. Platoro area may require chains or AWD for upper access.

San Miguel River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on mild days. Telluride ski season means the upper river sees zero fishing pressure. Lower Norwood section most accessible. Mountain roads — check conditions.

Lake Fork of the Gunnison — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on mild/overcast days (size 20-22). Lake Fork in February: cold, remote, and surprisingly productive for the dedicated angler who makes the 3+ hour drive from Denver.

North Platte River — Grey Reef — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. Streamer fishing peak — pre-spawn rainbows aggressive. The Reef is one of the few WY rivers fishing well in February. Mysis-like leech patterns deadly.

North Platte River — Miracle Mile — February

Midges (size 20-24). Streamer fishing peak — pre-spawn rainbows aggressive. Big fish month if you can handle the cold and exposure of the high desert canyon.

Snake River — February

Mostly closed conditions — snow and ice. Some lower river access possible on mild days with midges. Plan for late spring through fall on the Snake.

Green River — Fontenelle — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater consistency while surrounding freestones are locked up.

Shoshone River — February

Midges continue (size 22-24). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Lower Shoshone near Cody most accessible. Limited but fishable.

Bighorn River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days. Tailwater advantage — fishing well while WY freestones are iced over. Big fish month.

Laramie River — February

Midges continue (size 22-24). BWOs possible on overcast days. Most of the Laramie remains iced. Limited but possible.

New Fork River — February

Mostly iced over. Limited access. Plan for spring opener. Midges possible in lowest sections on warmest days.

Hoback River — February

Mostly closed conditions. Wait for spring. Some midge fishing possible in lower river on rare mild days.

Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone — February

Midges (size 22-24) in deeper canyon pools on warm afternoons. Most stretches iced or snow-blocked. Limited winter opportunities.

Salt River — February

Mostly iced — meadow stretches freeze hard. Spring-fed seeps may produce limited midge fishing. Plan for late spring opener.

Green River — February

Midges (size 18-22) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater advantage — fishable while every other UT river is iced over. Selective fish, 6X tippet required. Big-fish month for streamer anglers.

Provo River (Middle) — February

Midges (size 20-26) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater advantage — fishable while Wasatch freestones freeze. The serious winter Middle Provo angler's month.

Weber River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days. BWOs possible on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Tailwater section below Echo most reliable. Pre-Mother's Day Caddis tying season.

Ogden River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater consistency — fishable while area freestones ice over. Hatchery-supplemented; stockers respond to bright attractor patterns.

Strawberry River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in deeper pools. Most of the WMA reach iced or snow-blocked. The serious Strawberry angler's off-season — tie hoppers and Green Drake patterns.

Logan River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days. Most upper canyon iced. Brown trout in deeper pools active on streamers. Plan for late April opener for the canyon.

Bear River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days. Most of the river iced or snow-affected. Plan for late spring opener.

Beaver River — February

Mostly iced. Limited winter activity. Plan for the summer trophy trout window once flows settle.

Fremont River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days. Most stretches iced or low and clear. Plan for late spring opener.

East Fork Sevier River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days. Most stretches iced. Plan for late spring opener once flows settle.

Oak Creek — February

Midges (size 20-24) continue. BWOs on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Stocking continues in cool months. Crowds light midweek — peak Oak Creek fishing window is October through March.

West Fork Oak Creek — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Spring-fed water keeps West Fork a reliable winter option. Trailhead can be icy — check road conditions before the drive.

East Fork Black River — February

Closed conditions — heavy snow at 8,000+ feet. Plan for May after roads dry.

West Fork Black River — February

Closed — heavy snow at 8,000+ feet. Wait for May/June.

North Fork White River — February

Mostly snowed in at elevation. Hon-Dah area access limited. Plan for May opener.

Canyon Creek — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days. Most stretches low and clear. Wild browns active in deeper pools on streamers.

Tonto Creek — February

Midges (size 20-24) continue. BWOs on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Stocking continues in cool months. Quiet weekday fishing along SR-260 pullouts.

Silver Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26) primary. BWOs on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). C&R season — selective fish on tiny flies, fine tippet, careful presentations. AZ's closest analog to a classic spring creek.

East Clear Creek — February

Mostly snowed in. Approach roads not navigable. Plan for May/June.

Little Colorado River — February

Mostly iced. Limited winter activity. Plan for late spring opener.

Chevelon Creek — February

Closed conditions for most anglers. Wait for spring.

San Juan River — February

Midges (size 22-26) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 22-24). Pre-spawn rainbows aggressive — RESPECT REDDS in Quality Waters. Big fish month for streamer anglers.

Rio Grande — February

Midges continue (size 22-24). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Lower canyon access most productive. Wind in the gorge can be brutal.

Rio Chama — February

Midges continue. BWOs on cloudy days (size 20-22). Tailwater consistency below El Vado — fishable while Rio Grande freezes in upper sections.

Cimarron River — February

Mostly iced — small stream freezes hard at canyon elevations. Midges in rare open pockets. Wait for spring.

Pecos River — February

Mostly iced in the wilderness sections. Lower river near Pecos village fishable on warm afternoons with midges. Plan for spring.

Brazos River — February

Closed conditions. Box canyon snowed in. Wait for the access road to open in late spring.

Red River — February

Mostly iced. Lower stretches near Questa fishable on warm days with midges. Plan for spring.

Jemez River — February

Midges continue (size 22-24). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Lower river near Jemez Springs most accessible — geothermal influence keeps some sections open.

Gila River — February

Midges continue (size 20-24). BWOs picking up on cloudy days (size 20-22) — warmer winters than northern NM mean earlier hatches. Lightly pressured this time of year.

Henry's Fork — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Spring sections fishable while most ID rivers are iced. The serious winter Henry's Fork angler's month.

South Fork Snake River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater advantage — fishable while Snake and Henry's Fork freeze. Pre-spawn rainbows aggressive.

Silver Creek — February

CLOSED through Memorial Day weekend. The Nature Conservancy preserve is off-limits for fishing during the winter closure.

Big Wood River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most upper sections still iced. Plan for spring through fall on the Big Wood.

South Fork Boise River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days. Tailwater consistency while ID freestones are iced over. Big fish month for streamer anglers.

Salmon River — February

Steelhead in lower river continuing (where seasons allow). Most upper Salmon iced. Cold and remote — for dedicated steelheaders only.

Clearwater River — February

B-run steelhead season continues. Some of the largest steelhead in the lower 48 — fish 12-20+ pounds possible. Cold but the prize is worth it. Bait and tackle rules vary by section.

Lochsa River — February

Most stretches closed. Plan for the summer season. Lochsa cutthroat fishing is a summer/fall pursuit.

Teton River — February

Mostly iced — meadow stretches freeze hard. Very limited winter fishing. Plan for late spring opener.

Fall River — February

Mostly iced. Limited fishing in lower river near Ashton. Plan for late spring opener.

St. Joe River — February

Most stretches closed. Limited winter opportunities. Plan for the summer cutthroat season.

Middle Fork Clearwater River — February

Steelhead season continues in open stretches. Big winter B-run fish. Cold but the prize is worth it.

Selway River — February

Most stretches closed. Plan for the summer season. Selway cutthroat fishing is a summer/fall pursuit.

Boise River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater consistency below Lucky Peak Dam — fishable while every other Boise-area water is iced over.

Madison River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Lower Madison fishable while upper sections ice. Big-fish month for streamer anglers.

Missouri River — February

Midges (size 20-24) primary. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Tailwater stays open while every other MT freestone is iced. Cluster midges and tiny emergers — 6X tippet required.

Yellowstone River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warm afternoons in lower river. Most upper Paradise Valley iced. Wait for spring on the Yellowstone.

Big Hole River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most of the Big Hole iced. Plan for the May–June Salmonfly window.

Bitterroot River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible (size 20-22) on overcast days late month. SKWALA WATCH starting — stoneflies usually emerge mid-March. Tie up your Skwala patterns now.

Clark Fork River — February

Midges continue. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22) in the lower river. Streamer fishing for trophy browns through the Missoula corridor.

Blackfoot River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most upper Blackfoot iced. Plan for May–June Salmonfly window.

Gallatin River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most of the Gallatin Canyon iced. Plan for late spring opener.

Flathead River — February

Mostly iced. Limited winter opportunities. Plan for the late June post-runoff opener.

Smith River — February

PERMIT LOTTERY DEADLINE — apply by mid-February for the Camp Baker to Eden Bridge float lottery. Without a permit you cannot float the canyon. Tie flies for the May–June Salmonfly window if you draw.

Rock Creek — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most of Rock Creek iced. Plan for the legendary May–June Salmonfly window.

Stillwater River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most of the Stillwater iced. Plan for late June after runoff.

Boulder River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days in lower river. Most of the Boulder iced. Plan for late June after runoff.

Sun River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days below the dam. Most of the Sun iced through Augusta. Limited winter opportunities.

Ruby River — February

Midges (size 22-24) on warmer days below the reservoir. Most of the Ruby iced. Plan for late spring opener.

Rapidan River — February

Midges primary (size 20-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Brookies slowly waking up. Tight rhododendron casting in low water — keep it simple.

South River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) picking up on cloudy days. VDWR winter stocking schedule active — check stocking dates for fresh fish.

Jackson River — February

Midges primary. BWOs (size 20-22) building on cloudy days. Tailwater advantage — most consistent winter trout fishing in Virginia.

North Fork Shenandoah River — February

Stocked rainbows in select sections. Midges (size 20-24). BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. VDWR delayed-harvest sections active.

Bullpasture River — February

Midges (size 20-24). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Cold limestone water — fish move only on warmer days.

Maury River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Stream waking up on warmer days — fish slow with deep nymphs.

Rose River — February

Midges (size 22-26) on warmer afternoons. BWOs (size 20-22) possible on cloudy days. Brookies slowly waking up.

Conway River — February

Midges (size 22-26) on warmer days. BWOs (size 20-22) possible. Hike in only — winter access difficult.

Passage Creek — February

Midges (size 20-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Limestone influence keeps water clearer than most VA freestones — fish slow with deep nymphs.

Davidson River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) building on cloudy days. Stocked fish in DH sections respond to small Pheasant Tails and Zebra Midges.

Watauga River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) building. NCWRC stocking active in HS sections. Fish slow with nymphs in deeper water.

Nantahala River — February

Midges primary. BWOs (size 20-22) building. Whitewater season hasn't started — quiet gorge for trout fishing. Fish before late-spring rafting starts.

New River (North Carolina) — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on warmer cloudy days. Headwater brookie pools holding fish in deep slow water.

Oconaluftee River — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on warmer cloudy days. Wild rainbows, browns, and brookies tucked into pools — slow nymph rigs.

French Broad River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Land of Waterfalls country — many small tributaries feed clear cold water in winter.

Cataloochee Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26) on warmer afternoons. BWOs (size 20-22) possible on cloudy days. Native brookies slowly waking up.

Linville River — February

Midges (size 20-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Stream waking up slowly — fish slow with deep nymphs in pools.

Watauga River (Tennessee) — February

Midges primary. BWOs (size 20-22) building. Cold consistent flows make Watauga TN reliable when most southeastern waters are tough.

Little River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on warmer cloudy days. Wild brookies, browns, and rainbows tucked into pools — slow nymph rigs.

Tellico River — February

Midges (size 20-26) on warmer afternoons. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Stream slowly waking up — fish slow with deep nymphs.

Cranberry River — February

Midges (size 22-26) on warmer afternoons. BWOs (size 20-22) possible on cloudy days. Wild brookies and stocked rainbows tucked into deep pools.

South Branch Potomac River — February

Midges (size 20-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Limestone clarity even in winter — fish slow with deep nymph rigs.

Elk River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on warmer cloudy days. Stream waking up slowly — fish slow with deep nymphs.

Shavers Fork of the Cheat River — February

Midges (size 22-26) on warmer afternoons. BWOs (size 20-22) possible on cloudy days. Wild brookies slowly waking up — fish slow with deep nymphs.

North Fork of the South Branch Potomac — February

Midges (size 20-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Limestone clarity even in winter — fish slow with deep nymph rigs.

Williams River — February

Midges (size 22-26) on warmer afternoons. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Wild brookies and rainbows slowly waking up — fish slow.

Greenbrier River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Limestone clarity even in winter — fish slow with deep nymph rigs.

Beaverkill River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 18-20) on cloudy/warm afternoons. Wild browns in deep pools — slow deep nymphs.

Willowemoc Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 18-20) on cloudy/warm afternoons. Wild trout in deep pools — slow deep nymphs.

East Branch Delaware River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Tailwater fertility keeps fish feeding even in winter. Stable dam-controlled flows.

West Branch Delaware River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Tailwater fertility keeps fish feeding. Largest browns of the system hold here.

Esopus Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout slowly waking in upper reaches.

Schoharie Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout deep in pools.

Neversink River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild browns slowly waking.

Rondout Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Small water, small flies.

Ausable River (East Branch) — February

Midges (size 22-26). Wild trout deep in pools — limited winter activity in High Peaks country.

Ausable River (Main Stem) — February

Midges (size 22-26). Wild trout deep in pools. Lake-run fish absent in winter.

Saranac River — February

Midges (size 22-26). Wild trout deep in upper river pools. Lower river lake-run fish dormant.

Raquette River — February

Midges (size 22-26). Wild trout deep in pools — limited winter activity at high elevation.

Black River (upper) — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout deep in pools.

Penns Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Limestone temperature stability keeps wild trout active when freestone Catskills are locked up.

Spring Creek — February

BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Midges. Limestone fertility keeps wild trout actively feeding through winter. Technical 6X-7X fishing.

Big Fishing Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Lamar gauge captures upper fishing sections.

Little Juniata River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Limestone-influenced freestone keeps fish active.

Yellow Breeches Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Limestone fertility keeps wild and stocked trout feeding through winter.

Tulpehocken Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Tailwater fertility keeps stocked rainbows and holdover browns feeding.

Brodhead Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout deep in pools — slow deep nymphs.

Bushkill Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout in deep pools.

Loyalsock Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild browns deep in pools.

Pine Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout deep in canyon pools.

Kettle Creek — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild browns and brookies deep in pools.

Young Womans Creek — February

Limited winter activity in this backcountry stream. Plan for spring.

Battenkill River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild trout slow but feeding. 6X tippet territory.

White River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild and stocked trout deep in pools.

Mad River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Wild browns and brookies deep in pools — limited mid-winter activity.

Lamoille River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when fishable. Wild and stocked trout deep in pools. Lake-run rainbows absent in winter.

Winooski River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild and stocked trout deep in pools.

Dog River — February

Limited winter activity on this tight, wooded corridor. Plan for spring.

Black River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild and stocked trout deep in pools.

West River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Tailwater fertility keeps wild browns feeding even in winter.

Williams River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Wild and stocked trout deep in pools.

Missisquoi River — February

Limited winter activity in this remote North Troy water. Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

West Branch Penobscot — February

Cold and iced over. Plan for ice-out in April.

Kennebec River – East Outlet — February

Iced over — winter dormant.

Kennebec River – The Forks — February

Winter dormant — Harris Station releases minimal. Midges if open.

Dead River — February

Winter dormant — Long Falls releases minimal.

Sandy River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Wild trout deep in pools.

Carrabassett River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Wild brookies in upper reaches dormant.

Magalloway River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Tailwater fertility keeps some fish feeding.

Narraguagus River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Resident brookies deep in pools.

Rapid River — February

Iced over and remote. Inaccessible.

Roach River — February

Iced over.

Kennebago River — February

Iced over.

Ellis River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Swift River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Saco River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days.

Androscoggin River — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Wild trout deep in big-river seams.

Pemigewasset River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days.

Wild River — February

Iced over.

Ammonoosuc River — February

Midges (size 22-26). BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days.

Connecticut River (Trophy Stretch) — February

Midges. BWOs (size 20-22). Trophy browns feeding in deep tailwater seams. Tailwater fertility keeps fish active.

Smith River — February

Midges (size 22-26).

Cold River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Deerfield River — February

Midges and BWOs (size 20-22). Cold tailwater stays fishable when releases moderate. Watch the FirstLight schedule.

Swift River — February

Midges peak. BWOs (size 22) on overcast days. Cold gin-clear water — long leaders, light tippets, technical fishing.

Westfield River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Wild trout deep in pools.

West Branch Westfield River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

East Branch Westfield River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Wild trout deep in gorge pools.

Millers River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Squannacook River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Nissitissit River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Cold River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Native brookies deep.

Farmington River (MA Section) — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Ware River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Farmington River — February

Midges peak. BWOs on overcast days. Cold gin-clear tailwater fishes well between releases.

Housatonic River — February

Midges and BWOs (size 20-22). Cold-water nymphing for selective Hous browns.

Salmon River — February

Midges and BWOs (size 20-22). Cold tailwater nymphing.

Willimantic River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Natchaug River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Shepaug River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Mad River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Bantam River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Blackledge River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Jeremy River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Still River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Gunpowder Falls — February

Midges peak. BWOs on overcast days. Long leaders, 6X-7X tippet, technical fishing for selective browns.

Little Gunpowder Falls — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Big Hunting Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Wild brookies and browns deep in pools.

Savage River — February

Midges peak. BWOs (size 22) on cloudy days. Cold tailwater nymphing for big wild browns.

North Branch Potomac River — February

Midges and BWOs. Cold tailwater nymphing for wild browns.

Youghiogheny River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Casselman River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Antietam Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Catoctin Creek — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Patuxent River — February

Midges and BWOs. Cold tailwater nymphing.

Monocacy River — February

Warmwater river — limited trout activity.

South Branch Raritan River (Ken Lockwood Gorge) — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Musconetcong River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible. Spring seeps keep some pockets active.

Big Flat Brook — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Pequest River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Paulinskill River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Rockaway River — February

Midges and BWOs. Tailwater nymphing.

Ramapo River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Wanaque River — February

Midges and BWOs. Cold tailwater nymphing for browns.

Black River (Lamington River) — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Pequannock River — February

Midges (size 22-26) when accessible.

Deschutes River — February

SKWALA STONEFLY (size 8-10) starting late month — early-season dry-fly window. Midges and BWOs. Wild redsides active on warm afternoons.

McKenzie River — February

BWOs strong on cloudy days (size 18-20). Midges. March Browns starting late month (size 12-14).

Metolius River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Bull trout follow streamers in deep runs.

North Umpqua River — February

Winter steelhead. BWOs (size 18-20) starting. Pre-spring trout window beginning.

Rogue River — February

Winter steelhead continuing. BWOs starting. Pre-spring trout window beginning above Lost Creek.

Williamson River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Big browns active in deep runs.

Crooked River — February

Midges continue. BWOs picking up. Reliable cold-weather fishing in the canyon.

Fall River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22). Big browns active in winter — slow technical fishing.

Sandy River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Sea-run cutthroat ("harvest trout") starting late month. BWOs.

Clackamas River — February

Winter steelhead. Sea-run cutthroat starting. BWOs (size 20-22).

Grande Ronde River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22). Midges. Pre-spring trout window beginning.

Wallowa River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22). Midges. Pre-spring window beginning.

John Day River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22). Midges. Pre-spring window beginning.

Sprague River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22). Big browns active in deep runs.

Wood River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22). Selective trout in slow flows.

Hosmer Lake — February

Lake frozen. Plan for late spring through fall.

Yakima River — February

SKWALA STONEFLY (size 8-10) beginning late month — Yakima's world-famous early hatch. Midges and BWOs continuing. Pre-runoff dry-fly window opening.

Wenatchee River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Midges. Pre-spring window beginning.

Methow River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22). Midges. Pre-spring trout window beginning.

Skagit River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak — best month for swung-fly fishing on the legendary Skagit. Bull trout follow streamers in deep runs.

Skykomish River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Sea-run cutthroat starting late month. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days.

Stillaguamish River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Sea-run cutthroat starting late month. Closures common to protect wild fish — check WDFW.

Sauk River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak — best month for two-handed rods on the Sauk. Bull trout follow streamers.

Hoh River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak — best month for the Hoh's legendary wild winter run. Heavy rain and high water common.

Bogachiel River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Heavy rain and high water common. Sea-run cutthroat starting late month.

Queets River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Pristine wilderness setting. Float trips dominate — limited road access.

Sol Duc River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Heavy rain common. Sea-run cutthroat starting late month.

Snoqualmie River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. Sea-run cutthroat. BWOs on cloudy days.

Spokane River — February

Midges continue. BWOs starting. Pre-spring window beginning.

Little Spokane River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22). Brown trout active in deep runs.

Naches River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22). Midges. Pre-spring trout window beginning.

Tucannon River — February

BWOs starting (size 20-22). Midges. Pre-spring trout window beginning.

Hat Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Spring-creek style fishing — long leaders, drag-free drifts.

Fall River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Selective wild rainbows in weedy flats.

Pit River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days starting. Tailwater advantage when other rivers run cold.

McCloud River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Wild McCloud strain — the source of most hatchery rainbows worldwide.

Upper Sacramento River — February

SKWALA STONEFLY (size 8-10) at peak — early-season big-bug dry-fly fishing. Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on cloudy days.

Trinity River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. BWOs (size 20-22) starting for resident trout. Midges. Lewiston tailwater fishes year-round.

Klamath River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. BWOs (size 20-22) starting. Post-dam removal — the river is changing rapidly.

Feather River Low Flow Channel — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days starting.

Truckee River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Pre-spring window — selective wild trout active.

Little Truckee River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Long leaders, fine tippet for technical fish.

East Walker River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Sage-desert tailwater fishes year-round.

West Walker River — February

Cold mountain water. Midges. BWOs possible on warmer afternoons.

Lee Vining Creek — February

Cold mountain water — most access roads closed. Watch for spring opening.

Owens River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Spring-creek style fishing in the meadow flats.

Hot Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast days. Long leaders, 6X tippet, drag-free drifts essential.

San Joaquin River (Upper) — February

Cold canyon water — most access closed. Heavy snowpack.

Kings River — February

Cold mountain water — road closures. Heavy snowpack in the canyons.

Kern River — February

Cold canyon water. Limited winter fishing in the lower Kernville reach. Backcountry inaccessible.

Russian River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. Watch flows — heavy winter rains can blow out the river. Best fishing on the descending side of high water.

Au Sable River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season for the Au Sable.

Au Sable North Branch — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Au Sable South Branch — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Pere Marquette River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD at peak. Cold water, slow fish — dead-drift nymphs through deep runs. Verify open sections; trout-water reach is closed but designated steelhead water remains open year-round.

Manistee River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. Cold water, slow presentations. Tippy tailwater holds fish through the coldest months.

Muskegon River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. Tailwater advantage — flows stay stable when freestone rivers freeze.

Jordan River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Boardman River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. Watch flows — newly free-flowing river still finding its channel.

Betsie River — February

WINTER STEELHEAD continues. Slow cold-water swings and dead-drift nymphing.

Pine River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Pigeon River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Sturgeon River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Steelhead in lower reaches.

Black River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

Two-Hearted River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Heavy snow in the UP.

Fox River — February

Closed to trout fishing. UP winter.

Timber Coulee Creek — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season — early-season catch-and-release window opens in some Driftless waters in March; verify current WDNR rules.

West Fork Kickapoo River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Kickapoo River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Black Earth Creek — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Mt. Vernon Creek — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Elk Creek — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Blue River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Seas Branch — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Tomorrow River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Wolf River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Bois Brule River — February

Mostly closed. Verify section-by-section regulations. Mays Ledges still closed.

Namekagon River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

White River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Prairie River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Oconto River — February

Mostly closed for trout. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections.

Root River — February

Closed to trout fishing. Off-season.

South Branch Root River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

North Branch Root River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Whitewater River — February

Year-round C&R inside park. Midges. Limestone spring-fed flows stable through winter.

Middle Fork Whitewater River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

North Fork Whitewater River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Trout Run Creek — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Rush Creek — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Straight River — February

Closed to trout fishing.

Knife River — February

Mostly closed. Lower-river steelhead access on open sections.

Baptism River — February

Mostly closed. Lower-river access on open sections.

Cascade River — February

Mostly closed. Lower-river access on open sections.

Temperance River — February

Mostly closed. Lower-river access on open sections.

Brule River — February

Mostly closed. Lower-river access on open sections.

Poplar River — February

Mostly closed. Lower-river access on open sections.

Upper Iowa River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Limestone-influenced flows stay cold and clear.

Yellow River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Spring-influenced flows hold up.

Volga River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons.

Turkey River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons.

Bloody Run Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Spring-creek temps stable. C&R / artificials only.

Paint Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons.

Bear Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Spring-creek temps stable.

North Fork Maquoketa River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons.

Waterloo Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. C&R / artificials only in posted sections. No live CFS data.

French Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons.

Village Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons.

White River — February

Midges (size 20-24) dominate. EMERGENCY REGS in effect — 2 rainbow trout under 14" only, all other species release immediately. Scuds productive in deeper runs.

North Fork River — February

Midges (size 20-24) dominate. EMERGENCY REGS in effect — 2 rainbow trout under 14" only, all other species release immediately. Scuds productive.

Little Red River — February

Midges (size 20-24) dominate. EMERGENCY REGS in effect — 2 trout any species, any over 14" release immediately. Scuds productive. Read the gauge before driving — CFS swings 200 to 5,000+ within hours.

Spring River — February

Midges (size 20-24) dominate. Constant 58°F spring water keeps fish active through winter. Scuds productive.

Crooked Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Scuds.

Chagrin River — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers. Midges for any resident trout in the upper river.

Grand River — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers. Watch the temperature/DO data on the super gauge for warming windows.

Rocky River — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers. Urban-accessible winter fishing.

Vermilion River — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers. Read the gauge — can run very low.

Conneaut Creek — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers.

Cuyahoga River — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers. NPS regs apply.

Ashtabula River — February

STEELHEAD continuing. Egg patterns, nymphs, streamers. Spikes and drops fast after rain.

Mad River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Wild and stocked browns active in cold spring water.

Big Darby Creek — February

Cold-season smallmouth. Slow, deep presentations if you fish.

Clear Fork of Mohican River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Holdover trout active in cold water.

Current River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Streamers for browns. Cold spring-fed water keeps fish active.

Jacks Fork River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Streamers for browns.

Eleven Point River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Streamers for wild browns.

North Fork of White River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Streamers for browns. Spring-fed flow stays remarkably constant.

Huzzah Creek — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Stocked trout active.

Gasconade River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Stocked trout in upper reach.

Chattahoochee River (Helen Headwaters) — February

Midges continue (size 22-26). First BWOs possible on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Stocked fish active in the headwaters near Helen.

Chatooga River (Wild & Scenic Headwaters) — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Wild fish in the Wild & Scenic headwaters become opportunistic.

Tallulah River (Rabun County Headwaters) — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Tate Branch and Coleman River tributaries fishing well in cold months.

Conasauga River (Cohutta Wilderness) — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Artificial lures only Nov 1 – last Saturday in March in the upper watershed.

Soque River — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Cold, productive Blue Ridge water keeps fish active.

Toccoa River (Blue Ridge Tailwater) — February

Midges continue. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Streamer fishing on aggressive tailwater browns in the 14-mile run from the dam to the TN border.

Kenai River — February

River frozen on edges. Off-season for the trout fishery. ⚠️ 2026 King salmon FULL CLOSURE. Plan trips for late spring through October.

Russian River — February

Off-season. River frozen. Plan for sockeye-fishing window (June 11 – Aug 20).

Anchor River — February

Off-season. Frozen. Steelhead start late August.

Gulkana River — February

Off-season. Frozen. Float trips begin in June.

Situk River — February

Late winter steelhead. Cold, snowy, demanding access.

Naknek River — February

Off-season. Plan for June king run or August–October trophy rainbow window.

Spearfish Creek — February

Midges, early BWO (#18–20)

Rapid Creek (Pactola Tailwater) — February

Midges, BWO (#20)

Rapid Creek (Rapid City) — February

Midges, small Nymphs

Spring Creek — February

Midges, early BWO

Whitewood Creek — February

Midges, small Nymphs

Castle Creek — February

Midges, BWO

Cumberland River Tailwater — February

Midges, Blue-Winged Olives. Peak BWO action starts on cloudy afternoons.

Hatchery Creek — February

Midges (#20–24), Scuds, Sowbugs. Subsurface presentations most effective.

Green River Tailwater — February

Midges, small Soft Hackles. Pre-stocking lull; subsurface only.

Barren River Tailwater — February

Midges, Scuds. Pre-stocking; subsurface only.

Rockcastle River — February

Midges, Wooly Buggers for bass in deeper pools. Pre-spring.

Red River (Natural Bridge) — February

Midges (#20–24), BWO. C&R section fishes well; expect solitude.

Rock Creek — February

Midges, early BWO. Stream waking up on warm afternoons.

Truckee River — February

Midges, BWO (#18–20); peak cutthroat run timing

East Walker River — February

Midges, BWO (#18–20)

West Walker River — February

Midges, BWO

East Fork Carson River — February

Midges, BWO

Lamoille Creek — February

Midges; snow can close canyon road

South Fork Humboldt River — February

Midges, BWO

Guadalupe River — February

Midges dominate; Zebra Midge, WD-40; occasional BWO (#18–20) on cloudy days

Llano River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; bass begin stirring

Blanco River — February

Clouser Minnows; Crayfish patterns; carp patterns

Pedernales River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; bass begin moving

Frio River — February

Wooly Buggers; Nymphs; trout stocking window ends

South Llano River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers

Sipsey Fork of the Black Warrior River — February

Midges dominate (Zebra Midge, WD-40); occasional BWO on cloudy days

Cahaba River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; bass slow

Little River Canyon — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; bass slow

Tallapoosa River — February

Midges; small Streamers; bass slow; trout best in tailwater

Paint Rock River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; bass slow

Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; bass slow

Blue River — February

Midges dominate; occasional BWO on cloudy days; Wooly Buggers in pools

Mountain Fork River — February

Midges dominate; BWO on cloudy days; San Juan Worms; cold-water trout active

Illinois River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; pre-spawn cruisers in slow water

Baron Fork — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; bass slow

Glover River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish; check flows before driving in

Kiamichi River — February

Clouser Minnows; Wooly Buggers; Crayfish patterns; bass slow

South Platte River — March

BWOs picking up strongly on overcast days (size 18-22). Midges still active. Best action 10am-2pm during hatches. Parachute BWO or Sparkle Dun.

Arkansas River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window can be excellent if flows stable. Check gauge before driving — runoff starts in late March some years.

Arkansas River — Pueblo Tailwater — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-caddis window. Reservoir regulation means flows stay consistent regardless of snowmelt upstream. March is excellent on the Pueblo tailwater.

Blue River — March

BWOs starting on cloudy days (size 20-22). Midges year-round. Mysis imitations remain effective. Reservoir regulation means consistent flows regardless of upstream snowpack.

Bear Creek — March

BWOs beginning (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window can be excellent on this beginner-accessible stream near Denver.

Colorado River — March

BWOs starting (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — catch it before snowmelt starts. Big water, big fish, requires wading caution.

Frying Pan River — March

BWOs picking up strongly on cloudy days (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Ruedi Reservoir regulation means consistent flows regardless of snowpack — catch the pre-runoff window.

Roaring Fork River — March

BWOs picking up on overcast days (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff March window can be outstanding on the Basalt section — catch it before snowmelt begins.

Cache la Poudre River — March

BWOs strong on overcast days (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window can be excellent — March on the Poudre before snowmelt is often overlooked and very productive.

Taylor River — March

Midges year-round. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Taylor Park is still cold in March — dress for mountain winter. Consistent flows regardless of upstream snowpack.

Gunnison River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — Black Canyon access from East Portal opens as weather improves. March can be excellent before runoff builds.

Eagle River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff March window is often excellent. Vail Pass snowpack will push flows in weeks — catch the Eagle before it rises.

Yampa River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff fishing can be excellent in March. Yampa Valley warming up — catch it before Flattops and Rabbit Ears snowmelt arrives.

Rio Grande — March

BWOs starting (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window can be outstanding in the upper Gold Medal section. March Rio Grande is seriously underutilized.

Crystal River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window on this smaller stream. March can be excellent for clear-water nymphing before Elk Mountain snowmelt starts.

Dolores River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Tailwater stability makes March excellent. Pre-runoff window while freestone rivers are still sketchy. An early-season gem.

North Platte River — March

BWOs starting (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window can be excellent — March on the North Platte headwaters is underutilized. Wild browns in North Park meadow stretches feeding actively.

Slate River — March

BWOs picking up on cloudy days (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window brief but productive. Catch the Slate before Elk Mountain snowmelt starts — March can be excellent.

San Juan River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window excellent through Pagosa Riverwalk access. March San Juan is an underutilized gem in Southwest Colorado.

Animas River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window excellent — March Animas before San Juan snowmelt is outstanding. Gold Medal stretch through Durango at its most manageable.

East River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window brief but excellent. East River has excellent wild cutthroat that respond aggressively in March before snowmelt.

Fraser River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — catch the Fraser before Winter Park and Berthoud Pass snowmelt starts. March is often the best month before runoff.

Dream Stream — March

BWOs picking up on overcast days (size 18-20). Midges active. March pre-runoff window can be excellent — catch the Dream Stream before South Park snowmelt begins. 12-14 ft leaders and 6X minimum.

Gore Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff March window can be excellent — catch Gore Creek before Vail Pass and Ten Mile Range snowmelt begins building flows.

Cheesman Canyon — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — Cheesman Canyon in March before South Park snowmelt is exceptional. The hike is worth it. 6-7X tippet, precise presentations required.

Williams Fork River — March

BWOs picking up (size 20-22). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — access may still be limited by road conditions. Williams Fork tailwater stays fishable while surrounding drainages begin building.

Colorado River — Gold Medal — March

BWOs starting (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — Pumphouse wade access at its best before spring flows build. Big river brown trout feeding. Plan floats soon before runoff makes it dangerous.

Conejos River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — catch the Conejos before San Juan Mountains snowmelt begins. Wild Rio Grande Cutthroat feeding actively in March. Use barbless hooks.

San Miguel River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window. San Miguel Mountain snowmelt will arrive — catch the spring window before it builds. Upper Telluride section can be excellent in March.

Lake Fork of the Gunnison — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window — catch the Lake Fork before Lake San Cristobal watershed snowmelt begins. Wild brown trout feeding actively in March.

North Platte River — Grey Reef — March

Midges year-round. First BWOs possible on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Pre-spawn rainbow run beginning — handle fish gently. Streamers continue producing.

North Platte River — Miracle Mile — March

Midges year-round. BWOs possible on overcast afternoons (size 20-22). Pre-spawn rainbows in skinny water — respect spawning fish. Wind is the real challenge here.

Snake River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 20-22). BWOs possible (size 20-22) on overcast days. Tetons still buried in snow.

Green River — Fontenelle — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window — Fontenelle Reservoir buffers the upper Green from snowmelt. Excellent March fishing.

Shoshone River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Wind is constant in the Cody area.

Bighorn River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-spawn rainbow run starting in lower river — RESPECT REDDS. Streamer fishing peak.

Laramie River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges active. Pre-runoff window short — Laramie watershed starts rising in April.

New Fork River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Wind Range still buried in snow.

Hoback River — March

Pre-runoff window — Hoback Range still snow-covered. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible on overcast days.

Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Beartooth Plateau still deep in snow — access limited.

Salt River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Wyoming Range still snow-covered.

Green River — March

BWOs picking up strongly (size 18-20) on cloudy afternoons — best dry-fly window of early spring. Midges year-round. Pre-runoff irrelevant here; Bureau of Reclamation releases buffer everything. Crowds light before April.

Provo River (Middle) — March

BWOs picking up strongly (size 18-20) on cloudy afternoons — Middle Provo BWOs are heavy and well-known. Midges year-round. Pre-runoff irrelevant; Jordanelle releases buffer everything.

Weber River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window — Echo Reservoir buffers the upper river but tributary inputs respond to snowmelt. Caddis pupae starting to mobilize.

Ogden River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff irrelevant — Pineview releases buffer everything. Salmonfly nymphs becoming active in the canyon.

Strawberry River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Snow access still limits the WMA reach. Fishery responds partially to natural runoff.

Logan River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Midges. Bear River Range still snow-covered — upper canyon access limited.

Bear River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Midges. Uinta and Bear Lake region snow-melt building.

Beaver River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Tushar Mountains still snow-covered — access limited.

Fremont River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Boulder Mountain still snow-covered — access limited.

East Fork Sevier River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Sevier Plateau snowmelt building.

Oak Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff flows manageable. Caddis nymphs becoming active. Stocking schedule heaviest in spring — check azgfd.com.

West Fork Oak Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window opening. Selective wild brown and rainbow trout in the crystal-clear plunge pools — long leaders and 6X tippet.

East Fork Black River — March

Snow access still limits Forest Road 276. Pre-runoff window doesn't really apply here — White Mountains snowmelt is the dominant driver.

West Fork Black River — March

Snow access dominates. Backcountry roads not navigable. Plan for July onward.

North Fork White River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons in lower stretches. Tribal permit office in Whiteriver beginning to issue spring permits — check current dates.

Canyon Creek — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Midges. BWOs (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Mogollon Rim snowmelt building.

Tonto Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff flows manageable. Caddis nymphs becoming active. Stocking schedule heaviest in spring.

Silver Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Last month of C&R season — quiet, technical winter fishing. Pre-spawn browns becoming aggressive on streamers.

East Clear Creek — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Mogollon Rim snowmelt building. Approach roads still snowbound or muddy in normal years.

Little Colorado River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). White Mountains snowpack still building.

Chevelon Creek — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Approach roads still snowbound or muddy in normal years. Mogollon Rim snowmelt building.

San Juan River — March

Midges year-round. BWOs picking up (size 20-22) on cloudy afternoons. Rainbow spawn beginning — DO NOT WADE THROUGH GRAVEL. The Juan is one of NM's most reliable winter/early-spring fisheries.

Rio Grande — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Stoneflies (size 6-10) starting in lower canyon. Pre-runoff window opening — early spring is one of the best times on the Rio Grande.

Rio Chama — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window opening — El Vado releases buffer the upper Chama. Excellent early spring fishing in the canyon.

Cimarron River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Stocking program ramps up.

Pecos River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22) on overcast afternoons. Sangre de Cristo snowpack still building.

Brazos River — March

Limited access — road still impassable in most years. Pre-runoff window doesn't really apply here, plan for July.

Red River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22) on overcast days. Stocking ramps up.

Jemez River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window opening early — Jemez at lower elevation than Sangre de Cristos so it warms first.

Gila River — March

BWOs (size 18-22) hitting their stride — Gila gets BWO action weeks ahead of higher NM rivers. Midges always. First Caddis possible late month on warm afternoons.

Henry's Fork — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22) on cloudy afternoons. Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window — Box Canyon and Last Chance prime before Memorial Day crowds arrive.

South Fork Snake River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-spawn rainbow run starting — RESPECT REDDS. Streamer fishing peak for trophy browns.

Silver Creek — March

CLOSED through Memorial Day weekend. Use the closed months to tie tiny flies — you'll need 6X-7X tippet and #20-24 patterns when the season opens.

Big Wood River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible on overcast days (size 20-22). Sun Valley still snowed in.

South Fork Boise River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window — Anderson Ranch releases buffer the SF Boise from snowmelt. Excellent early spring fishing in the canyon.

Salmon River — March

Spring steelhead in lower river. Pre-runoff window opening in upper Salmon on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22).

Clearwater River — March

Steelhead season closing typically late month or early April. Final winter steelhead push. BWOs possible (size 20-22) on warm afternoons in lower river.

Lochsa River — March

Most stretches still closed. Upper river snowed in along Highway 12. Plan for late June after runoff.

Teton River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Teton Range still snow-covered.

Fall River — March

Pre-runoff window opening. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Yellowstone Plateau still snow-covered.

St. Joe River — March

Most stretches still closed. Upper river snowed in. Plan for Memorial Day weekend opener.

Middle Fork Clearwater River — March

Steelhead season typically closing late month or early April. Final winter steelhead opportunities. Resident trout BWOs (size 20-22) possible.

Selway River — March

Most stretches still closed. Upper Wild & Scenic corridor snowed in. Plan for late June after runoff.

Boise River — March

BWOs picking up strongly (size 18-20) on cloudy afternoons. Midges year-round. Lucky Peak releases keep flows stable — pre-runoff window doesn't really apply. Excellent early spring fishing in the heart of the city.

Madison River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window opening — Three Dollar Bridge to Ennis productive on warmer afternoons. Crowds light before May.

Missouri River — March

BWOs picking up strongly (size 18-20) on cloudy afternoons. Midges year-round. Pre-runoff window — Holter Dam regulation buffers everything. Quiet, productive month before the spring crowds arrive.

Yellowstone River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20) on cloudy afternoons. Midges. Pre-runoff window opening on the lower river — short but productive before the Yellowstone Plateau snowmelt arrives.

Big Hole River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges (size 22-24). BWOs possible (size 20-22). Pioneer Mountains still buried in snow.

Bitterroot River — March

SKWALA STONEFLY (size 10-12) hatch at peak mid-to-late month — the Bitterroot's most famous hatch and the earliest big-bug fishing of the year in MT. BWOs (size 18-20). The local "secret" that draws anglers from across the West.

Clark Fork River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. SKWALA stoneflies (size 10-12) starting mid-month — the Clark Fork shares the Bitterroot's iconic Skwala hatch. Pre-runoff window prime.

Blackfoot River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Continental Divide still snow-covered.

Gallatin River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Bridger and Madison ranges still snow-covered.

Flathead River — March

Most stretches still iced. North Fork along Glacier's western boundary still snow-blocked. Plan for late June–July prime time.

Smith River — March

Pre-season — no canyon access. Watch for FWP permit results. Limited fishing on lower river below Eden Bridge from public access points only.

Rock Creek — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Sapphire and Anaconda-Pintler ranges still snow-covered.

Stillwater River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Beartooth-Absaroka still buried in deep snow.

Boulder River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Absaroka-Beartooth still snow-blocked.

Sun River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Rocky Mountain Front still snow-covered.

Ruby River — March

Pre-runoff window opening on warmer afternoons. Midges. BWOs possible (size 20-22). Ruby Range still snow-covered.

Rapidan River — March

QUILL GORDON HATCH STARTING (size 14) — the signature early-season hatch in Shenandoah. Blue Quills (size 18). BWOs continuing. First major dry-fly window of the year.

South River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Midges. Quill Gordon (size 14) late month possible. First strong dry-fly window of the year. Stocked fish eager.

Jackson River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) strong on overcast days. Midges continue. Sulphurs possible late month in the lower river. First major dry-fly window.

North Fork Shenandoah River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Spring stocking active. Pre-runoff window — limestone influence keeps the NF clearer than most VA freestones.

Bullpasture River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Quill Gordon (size 14) late month. First major hatch window — wild trout eager to come up.

Maury River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) late month — Maury's early-season signature. Pre-runoff dry-fly window opening.

Rose River — March

QUILL GORDON HATCH STARTING (size 14) — the iconic early hatch in Shenandoah NP. Blue Quill (size 18). First major brookie dry-fly window.

Conway River — March

Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month — the SNP signature hatch. Blue Quill (size 18). First brookie dry-fly window of the year.

Passage Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff dry-fly window — wild trout coming up between Massanutten ridges.

Davidson River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) strong on overcast days. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff dry-fly window — Davidson trout coming up.

Watauga River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) strong. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Spring stocking. First major dry-fly window of the year.

Nantahala River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) strong. Midges. Sulphurs (size 16-18) possible late month. Pre-rafting season window — peak winter trout fishing.

New River (North Carolina) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) late month in headwaters. First major dry-fly window — trout in headwaters active.

Oconaluftee River — March

GSMNP QUILL GORDON HATCH (size 14) starting late month — the signature early-season hatch in the Smokies. Blue Quill (size 18). BWOs. First dry-fly window of the year.

French Broad River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff window in upper river — Pisgah feeders staying clear.

Cataloochee Creek — March

GSMNP QUILL GORDON HATCH (size 14) STARTING — Cataloochee's signature early hatch. Blue Quill (size 18). First major brookie dry-fly window of the year.

Linville River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff window — wild trout coming up to dries in the gorge.

Watauga River (Tennessee) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) strong. Midges. Sulphurs starting late month. Pre-runoff window unnecessary — tailwater stays consistent year-round.

Little River — March

SMOKIES QUILL GORDON HATCH (size 14) STARTING — the signature early hatch in GSMNP. Blue Quill (size 18). BWOs. First major dry-fly window of the year.

Tellico River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month — Tellico's signature early hatch. Pre-stocking trip planning — opener approaches.

Cranberry River — March

Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month — Cranberry's signature early hatch. Blue Quill (size 18). BWOs. Pre-stocking trip planning — opener approaches.

South Branch Potomac River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Hendrickson (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff window — limestone stays clearer than freestone WV waters.

Elk River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff window — wild trout coming up to dries.

Shavers Fork of the Cheat River — March

Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month — Shavers Fork signature early hatch. Blue Quill (size 18). BWOs. First major brookie dry-fly window of the year.

North Fork of the South Branch Potomac — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Hendrickson (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff window — limestone keeps NF clearer than freestone WV waters.

Williams River — March

Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month — Williams River signature early hatch. Blue Quill (size 18). BWOs. First brookie dry-fly window of the year.

Greenbrier River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Quill Gordon (size 14) starting late month. Pre-runoff window — limestone influence keeps Greenbrier fishable.

Beaverkill River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window can be excellent — fish before the snowmelt rise.

Willowemoc Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window can be excellent — fish before the snowmelt rise.

East Branch Delaware River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Midges. Tailwater advantage — flows stay fishable while freestone Catskills run high. Blue Quill (size 18) late month.

West Branch Delaware River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Midges. Pre-runoff tailwater advantage — stable dam-controlled flows. Blue Quill (size 18) late month.

Esopus Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window — Phoenicia corridor accessible.

Schoharie Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window — Schoharie runs higher and stainier than the Beaverkill after rain.

Neversink River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window.

Rondout Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window short on small tributary. Caddis starting late month.

Ausable River (East Branch) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building late month. Pre-runoff window short — Adirondack snowmelt blows out flows quickly.

Ausable River (Main Stem) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building late month. Spring lake-run Atlantic salmon (NYSDEC Lake Champlain recovery) showing up in lower river.

Saranac River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building late month. Pre-runoff window short — Adirondack snowmelt blows out flows.

Raquette River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building late month. Pre-runoff window short — note Raymondville gauge reads high; upper river runs much lower.

Black River (upper) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window — Boonville gauge captures upper foothills drainage.

Penns Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window with steady limestone flows — excellent.

Spring Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building strong. Caddis (size 16-18) starting late month. Pre-runoff window — limestone advantage when freestones rise.

Big Fishing Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Caddis (size 16-18) starting late month. Pre-runoff window in Clinton County limestone country.

Little Juniata River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Caddis (size 16-18) starting late month. Pre-runoff window prime on the Little J.

Yellow Breeches Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Caddis (size 16-18) starting late month. Pre-runoff window stable on limestone.

Tulpehocken Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Midges. Tailwater advantage — flows stay fishable while freestones rise.

Brodhead Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window — Brodhead spikes hard after Pocono rain.

Bushkill Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Caddis (size 16-18) starting late month. Pre-runoff window short on small water.

Loyalsock Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Caddis (size 16-18) late month. Pre-runoff window — Loyalsock spikes hard, drops fast.

Pine Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window — Pine spikes hard with Allegheny snowmelt.

Kettle Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window — Kettle Creek Reservoir provides modest flow stabilization downstream.

Young Womans Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month if flows allow. Pre-runoff small-water window short.

Battenkill River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Blue Quill (size 18) late month. Pre-runoff window — Battenkill stays manageable in spring.

White River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window short — White spikes with central VT snowmelt.

Mad River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window short — Mad spikes hard with Green Mountain snowmelt.

Lamoille River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building late month. Spring lake-run rainbows starting to push upstream from Lake Champlain.

Winooski River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window — Winooski responds aggressively to weather, watch CFS.

Dog River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month if flows allow. Pre-runoff small-water window short.

Black River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Caddis starting late month. Pre-runoff window — Springfield corridor accessible.

West River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window — but USACE release events can blow out the fishery for days. Always check schedule.

Williams River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window short on small water.

Missisquoi River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window short — Missisquoi spikes hard with Quebec border snowmelt.

West Branch Penobscot — March

Ice still locking up most of the river. BWOs (size 20) when fishable late month.

Kennebec River – East Outlet — March

Ice still on. BWOs (size 20) possible late month if water opens.

Kennebec River – The Forks — March

BWOs (size 20) possible late month. Pre-runoff window narrow.

Dead River — March

Pre-runoff window short. BWOs (size 20) possible late month.

Sandy River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window.

Carrabassett River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window.

Magalloway River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-smelt staging.

Narraguagus River — March

BWOs (size 20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window.

Rapid River — March

Ice still on. Plan for May.

Roach River — March

Ice still on. Plan for May smelt run.

Kennebago River — March

Ice still on. Plan for May.

Ellis River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window short on small drainage.

Swift River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Saco River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window.

Androscoggin River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window.

Pemigewasset River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-runoff window.

Wild River — March

Still locked up. Plan for spring.

Ammonoosuc River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building.

Connecticut River (Trophy Stretch) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Stoneflies. Pre-runoff window — tailwater stays stable.

Smith River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Cold River — March

BWOs (size 20) starting late month.

Deerfield River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing productive. Releases ramping up for whitewater season.

Swift River — March

BWOs (size 20-22) building. Midges still primary. Pre-Sulphur staging.

Westfield River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window narrow.

West Branch Westfield River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window.

East Branch Westfield River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Millers River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Squannacook River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Nissitissit River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Cold River — March

BWOs (size 20) starting late month.

Farmington River (MA Section) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Ware River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Farmington River — March

BWOs (size 20-22) building. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing productive. Releases moderating.

Housatonic River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing.

Salmon River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building. Pre-Hendrickson staging.

Willimantic River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Natchaug River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Shepaug River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Mad River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Bantam River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff stable lake-fed flow.

Blackledge River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Jeremy River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Still River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Gunpowder Falls — March

BWOs (size 20-22) building. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing. Sulphur staging.

Little Gunpowder Falls — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Big Hunting Creek — March

BWOs (size 20) starting late month. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing.

Savage River — March

BWOs (size 20-22) building. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing. Releases moderate.

North Branch Potomac River — March

BWOs (size 20-22) building. Pre-Hendrickson nymphing.

Youghiogheny River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-runoff window narrow.

Casselman River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Antietam Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Catoctin Creek — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Patuxent River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building.

Monocacy River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Pre-stocking nymphing.

South Branch Raritan River (Ken Lockwood Gorge) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Early Black Stoneflies.

Musconetcong River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Big Flat Brook — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month. Quill Gordons (size 14) emerging late month.

Pequest River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Paulinskill River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Rockaway River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building.

Ramapo River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Wanaque River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) building.

Black River (Lamington River) — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Pequannock River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) starting late month.

Deschutes River — March

SKWALA peak (size 8-10). BWOs (size 18-20) on cloudy days. March Browns starting. Redsides eating dries before crowds arrive.

McKenzie River — March

March Browns (size 12-14) emerging. BWOs (size 18-20). Skwala-style Western March Browns. Pre-runoff window.

Metolius River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. March Browns (size 12-14) beginning late month.

North Umpqua River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Wild redsides waking up. Steelhead fading.

Rogue River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Steelhead fading. Trout waking up.

Williamson River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window — clear water, big fish.

Crooked River — March

BWOs (size 18-20) strong on cloudy days. Midges. Pre-runoff (Crooked is regulated below Bowman, less affected).

Fall River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-spring window — clear cold flows.

Sandy River — March

Winter steelhead continuing. BWOs (size 18-20). Sea-run cutthroat active. Pre-spring trout window.

Clackamas River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Steelhead fading.

Grande Ronde River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Wild redsides active.

Wallowa River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Wild redsides active.

John Day River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Smallmouth and redsides waking up.

Sprague River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window — clear water.

Wood River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-spring window — sight-fishing prime.

Hosmer Lake — March

Lake still iced over at high elevation. Plan for May ice-out.

Yakima River — March

SKWALA at peak (size 8-10) — the Yakima Skwala draws anglers from across the West. BWOs (size 18-20) on cloudy days. March Browns starting.

Wenatchee River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Pre-runoff trout active.

Methow River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Wild redsides waking up.

Skagit River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs starting (size 20-22) on cloudy days. Pre-spring window beginning.

Skykomish River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs (size 18-20). Sea-run cutthroat active. Pre-spring window.

Stillaguamish River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD — closures common in March to protect wild fish. BWOs (size 18-20). Sea-run cutthroat active.

Sauk River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs starting on cloudy days. Bull trout active.

Hoh River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs starting on cloudy days. Sea-run cutthroat active in lower river.

Bogachiel River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs starting on cloudy days. Sea-run cutthroat active.

Queets River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs on cloudy days. Sea-run cutthroat active.

Sol Duc River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD continuing. BWOs on cloudy days. Sea-run cutthroat active.

Snoqualmie River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD fading. BWOs (size 18-20). Sea-run cutthroat active. Pre-spring window.

Spokane River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). Midges. March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Brown trout pre-runoff active.

Little Spokane River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window — clear water.

Naches River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Wild redsides waking up.

Tucannon River — March

BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14) late month. Wild rainbows active.

Hat Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. Pre-PMD window — wild rainbows active in the riffles below PH2.

Fall River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. Pre-PMD window opens — fish move into the flats.

Pit River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Caddis beginning late month in lower sections.

McCloud River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. March Browns (size 12-14) starting late month.

Upper Sacramento River — March

SKWALA continues early month. BWOs (size 18-20). March Browns (size 12-14). Pre-runoff window — catch it before late-spring rains.

Trinity River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD tapering. BWOs (size 18-20) picking up. March Browns (size 12-14) late month.

Klamath River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD tapering. BWOs (size 18-20). Spring trout window opening in the upper sections.

Feather River Low Flow Channel — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. Spring window opens — fewer anglers than the Mountain West.

Truckee River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. March Browns starting late month (size 12-14).

Little Truckee River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges. Spring window opening on the small tailwater.

East Walker River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. Pre-PMD window — large browns active.

West Walker River — March

BWOs starting (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window beginning.

Lee Vining Creek — March

Cold water continues. Snowpack still heavy. Verify access — many sections inaccessible until late spring.

Owens River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. Best early-season month — pre-runoff window.

Hot Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-20). Midges always. Spring window — the spring creek waking up.

San Joaquin River (Upper) — March

Cold water continues. Limited road access. Verify which sections are reachable.

Kings River — March

Cold water continues. Most access roads still closed.

Kern River — March

BWOs starting (size 18-20). Midges. Pre-runoff window opening on the Kernville stretch.

Russian River — March

WINTER STEELHEAD tapering. BWOs (size 18-20) starting for resident trout in the upper river. Verify current closures.

Au Sable River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener is the last Saturday of April. Plan trips, tie flies.

Au Sable North Branch — March

Closed to trout fishing. Opener last Saturday of April.

Au Sable South Branch — March

Closed to trout fishing. Opener last Saturday of April.

Pere Marquette River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD building — fresh fish from Lake Michigan. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs. Best month for steelhead variety on the PM.

Manistee River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD building below Tippy. Fresh chrome arriving from Lake Michigan. Indicator nymphing prime time.

Muskegon River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Michigan via the Muskegon. Fresh chrome below Croton. Prime month for steelhead variety.

Jordan River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Opener last Saturday of April.

Boardman River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering the lower river. Indicator nymphing with eggs, stoneflies. Newly opened upstream habitat in active recovery.

Betsie River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering the river — fresh chrome from Lake Michigan. Prime month.

Pine River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Opener last Saturday of April.

Pigeon River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Opener last Saturday of April.

Sturgeon River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Steelhead building in lower river.

Black River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Opener last Saturday of April.

Two-Hearted River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Snowpack still heavy — verify forest road access.

Fox River — March

Closed to trout fishing. Snowpack still heavy.

Timber Coulee Creek — March

Catch-and-release early season in some Driftless reaches — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22) on overcast days. Midges. Limestone spring-creek temps stay stable through winter.

West Fork Kickapoo River — March

Catch-and-release early season in some Driftless reaches — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22) on cloudy days. Midges. Spring-creek flows stable.

Kickapoo River — March

Catch-and-release early season in some Driftless reaches — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22). Midges. Mainstem flows higher than the small spring creeks.

Black Earth Creek — March

Catch-and-release early season in some sections — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22). Midges. Limestone spring-creek temps stable.

Mt. Vernon Creek — March

Catch-and-release early season — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22). Midges. Small cold water — limestone temps stable.

Elk Creek — March

Catch-and-release early season — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22). Midges.

Blue River — March

Catch-and-release early season on some sections — verify WDNR. BWOs (size 18-22). Midges. ERW protections apply year-round when open.

Seas Branch — March

Catch-and-release early season on some Driftless reaches — verify WDNR. Midges. Small headwater spring stays cold and stable.

Tomorrow River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener first Saturday in May. Plan trips, tie flies.

Wolf River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener first Saturday in May.

Bois Brule River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river (open sections only — verify WDNR). Egg patterns and stonefly nymphs. Cold-water nymphing.

Namekagon River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener first Saturday in May.

White River — March

Closed — heavy snowpack. Verify access roads.

Prairie River — March

Closed — opener first Saturday in May.

Oconto River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Green Bay / Lake Michigan on the lower river. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs.

Root River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April. BWOs and midges visible to scouting anglers; tie flies, plan trips.

South Branch Root River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

North Branch Root River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

Whitewater River — March

Year-round C&R inside park — late-winter dry-fly opportunity. BWOs (size 18-22) on cloudy days. Pre-opener access for inside-park anglers.

Middle Fork Whitewater River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

North Fork Whitewater River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

Trout Run Creek — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

Rush Creek — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

Straight River — March

Closed to trout fishing — opener second Saturday in April.

Knife River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river — peak run March into April. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs. Cold-water nymphing. North Shore tributary rules apply.

Baptism River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river — peak run March into April. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs.

Cascade River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river — peak run March into April. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs.

Temperance River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river — peak run March into April. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs.

Brule River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river — peak run March into April. Judge Magney State Park / Devil's Kettle. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs.

Poplar River — March

SPRING STEELHEAD entering from Lake Superior on lower river — peak run March into April. Egg patterns, stonefly nymphs.

Upper Iowa River — March

BWOs picking up on cloudy days (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window — water warming, fish moving onto shallow shelves.

Yellow River — March

BWOs picking up on cloudy days (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming.

Volga River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window.

Turkey River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming.

Bloody Run Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming on cold limestone-spring water.

Paint Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming.

Bear Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming.

North Fork Maquoketa River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming.

Waterloo Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring water warming. No live CFS — fly shops are best source.

French Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges.

Village Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges.

White River — March

BWOs (size 18-22) picking up on cloudy days. Midges still primary. Scuds productive. Pre-spring window before spring rains push lake levels.

North Fork River — March

BWOs (size 18-22) picking up on cloudy days. Midges. Scuds. Pre-spring window.

Little Red River — March

BWOs (size 18-22) picking up on cloudy days. Midges. Scuds. Heavy hydropeaking — generation schedule drives everything.

Spring River — March

BWOs (size 18-22) picking up on cloudy days. Midges. Scuds. Spring water is one of the most stable trout fisheries in the country.

Crooked Creek — March

BWOs picking up on cloudy days (size 18-22). Midges. Scuds. Pre-spring fishing.

Chagrin River — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) returning on overcast days. Egg patterns, stoneflies, streamers.

Grand River — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) on overcast days. Egg patterns, stoneflies, streamers.

Rocky River — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) on overcast days. Egg patterns, stoneflies, streamers.

Vermilion River — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) on overcast days.

Conneaut Creek — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) on overcast days.

Cuyahoga River — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) on overcast days.

Ashtabula River — March

STEELHEAD spring run building (peak March–April). BWOs (size 18-20) on overcast days.

Mad River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window.

Big Darby Creek — March

Pre-spawn smallmouth as water warms. Streamers, crayfish patterns.

Clear Fork of Mohican River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Spring stocking begins.

Current River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window — stocked trout fresh from MDC winter operations on the upper Current near Montauk.

Jacks Fork River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window with stable spring-fed flows.

Eleven Point River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window. Crystal clear water — stealth required.

North Fork of White River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-spring window — wild trout active.

Huzzah Creek — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Spring stocking begins.

Gasconade River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. MDC spring stocking begins on the upper river.

Chattahoochee River (Helen Headwaters) — March

Strong BWO emergence on cloudy days (size 18-22). Midges still active. Pre-spring stocking from GA DNR boosts numbers.

Chatooga River (Wild & Scenic Headwaters) — March

BWOs picking up strongly (size 18-22). Midges. DH section (GA Hwy 28 to Reed Creek) is at peak — single-hook artificial only.

Tallulah River (Rabun County Headwaters) — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Pre-stocking — wild fish active in the headwaters reach.

Conasauga River (Cohutta Wilderness) — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Artificial-only restriction in effect through last Saturday of March. Watch the Eton gauge as a flood indicator only — wild trout water is 15-20 mi upstream.

Soque River — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Spring stocking on public reaches.

Toccoa River (Blue Ridge Tailwater) — March

BWOs picking up (size 18-22). Midges. Watch TVA generation schedule — pulses can spike fishable wading water in minutes.

Kenai River — March

River breakup beginning. Resident rainbow trout fishery effectively closed. ⚠️ 2026 King salmon FULL CLOSURE.

Russian River — March

Off-season. River breakup. Trail access limited.

Anchor River — March

Off-season. River breakup. Pre-season prep only.

Gulkana River — March

Off-season. River breakup beginning.

Situk River — March

Pre-spring-run prep. Forest Highway 9 may still be unplowed.

Naknek River — March

Off-season. Pre-season prep.

Spearfish Creek — March

BWO, Midges, early Caddis (#16–18)

Rapid Creek (Pactola Tailwater) — March

BWO, Midges, small Caddis

Rapid Creek (Rapid City) — March

Midges, BWO, early Caddis

Spring Creek — March

BWO, Midges, small Stoneflies

Whitewood Creek — March

Midges, BWO, early Caddis

Castle Creek — March

BWO, Midges, early Caddis

Cumberland River Tailwater — March

BWO, Cinnamon Caddis, Little Sister Caddis, midges. Peak activity begins as water rebuilds insect biomass.

Hatchery Creek — March

Midges, Scuds. Small Soft Hackles. Some early Caddis on warm afternoons.

Green River Tailwater — March

Midges, BWO (#18–20), small Caddis. Stocking begins; fresh fish respond to bright attractors and small nymphs.

Barren River Tailwater — March

Midges, BWO (#18–20), small Nymphs. Stocking begins — fresh fish on bright attractors.

Rockcastle River — March

Early Stoneflies (#12–14), Midges, small Nymphs. Trout stocking starts late month.

Red River (Natural Bridge) — March