What to Expect on The River this Summer
The summer is officially here, and for anglers across the country, that means that it is time to get the gear out of the basement and get on the water. The past winter was unusual across the western United States, as different areas experienced varying amounts of snow and temperatures. This will have a significant impact on where you choose to fish this summer, but in this blog, I will help you out by sharing what I know about the conditions in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Anglers in Idaho should be optimistic. During the 2024-2025 season, Idaho experienced a snowpack that was higher than average. This would typically be good and bad news for anglers in the region. The good news is that the region has a series of dry years, so it is suitable for the area to get more than average snowpack. However, there is potential for flooding during runoff. Temperatures were also higher than usual in the late season, causing runoff earlier than normal. This means that July should be an excellent time for fly fishermen to get on the water; however, once August arrives, water levels and flows will be low, and fish will be less active, making fishing much more challenging.
Montana is experiencing something similar. Like Idaho, the snowpack ended up being higher than expected; however, Montana is experiencing higher water temperatures due to the warmer end of the season. This has already prompted Fish and Game to create certain fishing restrictions for the season in order to help the population. For fishermen, this means planning is key. Before going fishing, make sure to check that you are allowed to fish in the area you desire.
Wyoming, unfortunately, did not experience a good snow year and recorded a below-average snowpack. Combining this with warmer temperatures, the fear of a massive drought spreads across the state. This has also led to a large wildfire risk in the area, which could impose restrictions on campfires while camping. Anglers should be prepared for water shortages in certain areas of the state.
Colorado had a very different year from all of the other states. Certain areas, such as the South Platte, recorded a snowpack 104% of the usual; however, areas such as the San Juan experienced 69% of the normal. Statewide, it recorded a snowpack of 90% of the usual. Anglers should expect water flows not to peak as high as usual. The area should experience a good late June, early July; however, as water temperatures begin to rise, late July to early August will not be as promising.
At the end of the day, this should pose no real surprise to anyone who fishes this region. Each year, conditions are different, and different challenges present themselves. One piece of advice I have for anyone fishing this area to be patient and persistent. The more you fish and try new water, the more success you will have.