Mild weather for Montana is expected to continue.  High temperatures will reach the upper 30’s to low 40’s most of the week. We really haven't had a winter.

So, what’s it going to be like in a month, two months or this summer?

According to NOAA:

Sub-surface ocean temperatures are well below average in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific to a depth of 200 meters, favoring a continuation of La Nina conditions into the spring.  Forecasts from most climate models support this conclusion with SST anomalies predicted to gradually diminish throughout late winter and early spring.

The seasonal temperature outlook for FMA 2012 reflects typical late winter La Nina conditions and favors below average mean temperatures from portions of the Pacific Northwest eastward through Montana….

The seasonal precipitation outlook for FMA 2012 favors above-median amounts of precipitation for much of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies.

Based on the predictions above, it’s still too early to predict river flows with certainty.  If the weather changes as predicted, we could see a wet spring and early summer.  Or, not.  It’s Montana where it’s foolish to bet on the weather.

River drainage systems snowpack statewide are below normal.  The Missouri Headwaters is at 80% of normal.  Our storage reservoirs are very close to normal for this time of year.  Without a change in the weather, you should see lower, more manageable, flows this year.  Time will tell.

For now,  there are a few people on the river especially the weekends.  It’s certainly not crowded, but there are more than a few vehicles at the boat ramps.  Anglers seem to be heading downstream  into the canyon.  Reports on streamers are quite good.  Nymphing was slower, but still dredged up a few nice fish.

Spring is only 1-1/2 months away.

From FWP:

At 9:10 AM, it was 62° if you're following AccuWeather.  At the same time, it's 32° if you're following Wunderground.  NOAA probably has it right at 46°.  The next few days will be either partly sunny or partly cloudy depending upon how you look at things.  Is the glass half full or empty?  Right now (9:19 am) it's very sunny and looks like it will stay that way. By Friday, the odds of clouds are much better.  The light to moderate winds that are expected will  come out of the south / southwest.  Nights will be cool, but not too cold. It might pay to hit the river before the sun does. Unanimously, all three weather forecasts are calling for highs in the mid 40's on Monday - just in time for work.  See ya on the river.

With sun and wind, you'll have to dig a little deeper to find some risers.  They'll be there, but may not be obvious.  Nymphing will continue to produce.  Hopefully, you haven't stuffed your nymph box too far into the abyss.  If you're tired of looking at thingamabobbers, throw streamers.

Watch the weather.  When the clouds and winds are low the fish are high and happy.