Today’s fishing report is a collaboration between Sweetwater guys Jan Axtell, Rich Ridgeway, and Dan the Boss Man:
The Paradise Valley continues to produce great fall and early winter fishing. Prior to this weekend’s cold snap, warmer than average temperatures over the last few weeks and overcast days have made conditions on the Yellowstone River, Gardner River, and Paradise Valley Spring creeks very fishable with regular reports of large (and small) fish being taken on nymphs and streamers throughout the day. Warming weather this week should keep things going for at least a bit. Get out before the fishing slows down!
Nymphing has been good on the Yellowstone River this past week. Not seeing anything for emerging bugs, just some small midges about mid-day. You definitely don’t have to be the early one out there. That noon-2:30 area has been the strongest bite. Keeping it old school has worked well most of time: size 10,12 Prince nymph and a 10-12 Pheasant Tail. Don’t be afraid to try a variant in those like the Psycho Prince. Pats Rubber Legs is also another good one to throw in there. Start off deep with a little weight and work your way up and target the slower pockets and structure.
The streamer bite on the Yellowstone river has been good, if not lights out. Anglers are taking nice fish on a variety of articulated and single-hook streamers, especially on deep inside bends of the river and in the tail-outs. The biggest fish have attacked in the slower, deeper water. White, pale and bright yellow, olive, and black streamers have all caught fish recently, and don’t hesitate to change colors if the trout don’t seem interested in your offering.
There are still surface feeding fish on the local spring creeks, most notably to size 22 baetis hatching after 11:00am. Some midges are hatching throughout the day as well. As we progress into December and the Baetis hatches peter out, midge larvae will becoming increasingly important.
Note on personal safety: whether you’re walking and wading or floating the Yellowstone, the Gardner, or the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, please be aware of the effect of air and water temps during late fall and winter fishing. The risk of hypothermia is increased be prepared for changing weather conditions throughout the day, and have a plan.
Suggested Flies:
Nymphs:
Psycho Prince (orange & purple), Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail, Hot Bead Sowbug, Zebra Midge (red, olive, black), String Thing 18-22 (red, olive, black, cream, brown), Frenchie, Darth Baetis, Sawyer Pheasant Tail 22, Scud, Blood Blister Midge, Perdigon BWO 18, Cheeseman Emerger, Pink Blow Torch.
Streamers:
Wooly Bugger (black, olive), Sparkle Minnow, Home Invader, Slump Buster, leech patterns, Baby Gonga, Double Gonga, Rubber legged cone head Krystal Bugger (yellow), Sex Dungeon, Galloup’s Boogie Man
Dries:
Snowshoe baetis 20-22, Sprout BWO 20-22, Last Chance Cripple 20-22, rusty spinner 20-22; Harroups Hanging midge (blk,gray)
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