The clarity of the Yellowstone River in the Paradise Valley looks rather lovely this morning and the weather is going to be gorgeous. What a day it should be to do some spring fishing! I know, I know, there’s that job you have, but local employers are just going to have to be a bit flexible right now. You’ll make it up during runoff. The river did bump up a bit up high yesterday, but I’m not expecting a significant mud plug to result today. Tomorrow’s a little harder to predict, after today’s warm temperatures melt some more snow up high. Sunday’s a wash, I would speculate, as the experts are predicting a rather large increase in flows. You also won’t want to float or wade below where the Shields River comes into the Yellowstone below Livingston, as that tributary has become a regular mud factory lately.
Will you see Mother’s Day Caddis? Probably not in huge numbers yet. I saw one lonely caddis flutter by out behind the shop yesterday evening and there could be a few “early birds” out there today. If anything, you might find a few fish rising in the eddies and foam holes (Pine Creek to Carter’s Bridge, anyone?). If the clarity holds for Saturday, it could be a better bet for surface feeding fish. Still, it wouldn’t be a horrible idea to include a size 14 caddis larva or pupa imitation in your nymph rig and carry a couple of caddis emerger and dry patterns just in case. Streamers could be a good bet, despite the predicted sun, as a little color in the water can help the meat-eaters to feel more protected from overhead predators.
Whatever you choose to fish, you’ll regret holing up in your cubicle today. Gotta take advantage of days like this when they come. Stay tuned; we’ll definitely have another update tomorrow morning.
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