We continue to enjoy a great run of early winter fishing and fishing conditions in Paradise Valley. Warmer than average temperatures over the last few weeks and overcast days have made conditions great on the Yellowstone River, Gardner River, and Paradise Valley.
Depuys, Armstrong’s, and Nelson’s Spring Creeks are providing the most consistent fishing in the area; for trophy class fish no less. There are still brown trout on redds actively spawning, but as a whole spawning activity is winding down in contrast to last week. Post spawn feeding activity has increased with large males and females browns, as well as rainbows, feeding aggressively in the stable pools especially on cloudy warmer mornings.
Fly selection should be based on available food and water clarity. Most notably hot bead nymphs, sowbugs, scuds, and midges.
There are still surface feeding fish on the local spring creeks most notably to midges which have been hatching over the week. Look to the soft margins of holding water and in the spring creeks impoundments and lagoons respectively for rising fish.
While the numbers of actively spawning browns in our local tributaries is dwindling, please be mindful of redds (or spawning beds) locations as disruption of these as cleared gravel/rock areas by wading through them may result in the crushing of eggs. Wade mindfully and cautiously. Future generations of brown trout may depend on it. Focus your attention below the spawning reds in the stable pools with egg or egg like patterns fished near the bottom, slowly.
Note on safety: whether your walk and wading the Yellowstone, the Gardiner, 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. Follow the US Coast Guard cold weather tips for a safe and fun day on the water.
Suggested Flies:
Nymphs
Eggs patterns, hot bead sowbugs and other nymphs , Zebra midge (red, olive, black), Frenchie, Psycho Prince (yell/or) , Darth Baetis, Sawyer Pheasant tail, sow bug, scud, blood blister midge, Cheeseman emerger Ol, perdigon, Cheeseman Emerger, Pink var. Blow Torch.
Streamers
Wooly bugger,(black, olive), Sparkle minnow (black, olive), Home Invader, Slump Buster, leach patterns, Baby Gonga, Rubber legged cone head Krystal bugger (yellow)
Dries
Harroup’s hanging midge, Brooks sprout midge emerger, cluster midge, Harroups CDC adult midge, CDC olive comparadun.
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