Intermittent low pressure has set in over Livingston and Paradise Valley with a significant probability of snow each day throughout the week with moderate temperatures during the “heat of the day” has been producing great fishing conditions. This is great news for our mountain snowpack, we need it. Low pressure systems can create great winter angling opportunities on the Yellowstone River and the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
Yellowstone River flows have been dropping since last week’s rain and snow and are currently running around 1260 cubic feet/second. Anglers have been very successful on the river proper over the last two weeks, and we are seeing an unusual amount of boat traffic for the season. Nymphing and slowly swung streamers have been producing good numbers of trout in the stable pools during the heat of the day. Stoneflies and heavily weighted attractor nymphs, fished deep and slowly, suspended under an undersized indicator has reportedly been producing very good numbers and sizes of fish on the Yellowstone.
Angler’s are advised to use caution when wading and boating on the Yellowstone under winter conditions. We’ve already heard one 1st had account of a wading angler slipping and falling into the river last week. We want all of you to be safe, happy and healthy.
Click this link to see the US Coast Guard’s safety recommendations for cold water boating safety
Depuy’s, Armstrong’s, and Nelson’s Spring Creeks provide some of the most consistent fishing opportunities in the area with stable water temperatures hovering around the 50 degree mark. Fish are consistently feeding throughout the day until the sun begins to set feeding largely on size 18-22 midges (red, olive, and black), scuds, sow bugs, and small thinly dressed baetis nymphs fished deep and slow under a yarn indicator on 6x tippet. Fish have also been found cruising the shallow silt flats feeding on significant concentrations of invertebrate life enjoying the green house effect created by shallow water over a dark colored bottom. Additionally, there have been some intermittent/junk feeding surface activity on the spring creek flats and glide area. Target these fish with a Harroup’s Hanging midge or Mole Midge dry with a short dropper to a midge pupae.
Looking forward, if present winter conditions persist we may be enjoying a long Pre-runoff season. Which, if we don’t receive more snow in the river valley and high peaks, may be the best fishing of the season. Continued low pressure throughout this week will provide better than average winter season fishing. Fish On!
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