Winter Recreation Report January 22, 2026
While we wish this was only a ski report, given our current snow conditions, we find ourselves not only skiing, but also hiking, fishing, and biking. Most importantly, there are still many fun outdoor activities to enjoy right now. The following is our report on local conditions.
Ski Report
While boilerplate describes conditions at the ski areas, we’ve found good cross-country skiing in a number of locations, including the Ranch Creek trail up north at Kings Hill. Bear Creek out of Jardine is holding up well, and those trails around the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, including the Barronette and Bannock trails, are skiing great. We’re disappointed to report that Mill Creek continues to be marginal at best and only received about an inch of snow from the small storm cell that passed through on 1/20.
Hiking/Biking Report
The Forest Service has been working hard to clear the most popular trails in the area from the enormous wind event of December 17th. They are concentrating on the first mile or two from the trailheads. Pine Creek had nearly 100 downed trees between the trailhead and the falls from the event, and it’s now all clear. We were on the Cutler Lake trail near Corwin Springs a few days ago. It’s in perfect condition for hiking, running, or even mountain biking. While we haven’t been there, we imagine the West Boulder would be a great hike right now.
Fishing Report
Three of us here at the shop have wet a line in the last week with good results during the warmest part of the day. Focus your efforts from noon to 3 p.m. and your mantra should be: deep and slow. A double nymph rig fished through the deepest runs or a streamer swung and stripped slowly have been producing. Midges have also been enticing fish to the surface on overcast, windless days. The forecast in the near term is for colder temps, (maybe even too cold for fishing) but then warming up again next week.
