Winter Spring Creek Fishing

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Date: 01/01/2025

If you haven't experienced the late Winter/ early Spring fishing on the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks I think you are missing out a little. The fishing this time of year can be as much fun as a person can have. All the springtime insects start just a little earlier than the other rivers in our area. For example, the Blue Winged Olives have been hatching well for over a week now and the fish seem to be enjoying the change in diet. The chance for real productive dry fly fishing is always a possibility this time of year. If you are someone who likes to get an early start to the day, the mornings are typically calm and the fish like to eat Midge Emergers and Adults off the surface before the wind comes up. As the day progresses the fish go through the BWO cycles, Nymphs, Emergers, Cripples and then Duns and Spinners. Not only do the bugs start to wake up but the spawning Rainbows start showing up as well. The combination of fresh fish and fresh insect emergences make for a super fun day. It's usually as important to get the right drift as it is to have the right fly. It really helps to have a long, light leader and tippet to be able to manuever the many current seams and not spook a ton of fish. If it gets a little on the cold side, Depuys has several warming huts ready with firewood and a stove. The only thing that can piss a person off this time of year is some dude walking down the middle of the river chucking six inch streamers through your hole while you're waiting patiently for a fish to rise again. Don't be afraid to say something if you see this. Not only because these streams are full of spawning beds super important to the Yellowsone River Ecosystem, but most people go to these creeks to get a chance at some great fish on dry flies or little nymphs. Be aware that some of these creeks have orange pylons set up around the larger spawning beds to indicate closed sections. Crowds aren't an issue this time of year but it is recomended you call at least the day before to make a reservation. The cost per rod is only $40 until April 15th.