This weekend is going to be hit or miss on the spring creeks due to possibility of heavy winds and bright sun on Saturday but ideal Blue Winged Olive weather is slated to return on Sunday. Until the Blue Winged Olives hatch in full force, look for fish feeding on nymphs. The crystal clear water of the spring creeks make it easy to see fish....but getting them to eat your fly requires a little more skill. You need a long, light leader, a good drift, light tippet, and a sensitive indicator like yarn to detect the subtle strikes.
The two main creeks we fish are Armstrong's and DePuy's spring creeks near Livingston and Bozeman, Montana. These creeks are private and do require a rod fee, but, if you enjoy sight-fishing to rising or shallow water feeding trout, the spring creeks are an exciting place to get in some sight-fishing to trout on small waters.
Visit Our Shop for These Top Spring Creek Flies Right Now:
Para Adams in size 16-22
Juju Baetis size 22
Wondernymphs in black in sizes 18-22
Beadhead Zebra midge, black or red, size 22
Mole Midge size 20
Scuds, sowbugs like Ray Charles in natural or pink in sizes 18-22
Midge larva in red or purple in size 20-22
The Month Ahead:
Fishing will really pick up on the “creeks” as weeds continue to die back and the baetis hatch starts to kick into high gear. The bugs can be thick late into November on the creeks, especially on cloudy days when fronts move in. Late fall is a great time to have the creeks almost all to yourself with good action on rising trout.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The spring creeks are always a great off season option with warmer water temps and some nice shelters to get out of the wind and cold. Once December arrives it is a nymphing game for a few months but the fish eat every day!
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