Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock...the clock is getting closer to prime fall Blue Winged Olives on the spring creeks, but we are not there yet. The silver lining is that the spring creeks are in one of the least busy times of the year...but for a reason...the hatches that make fishing the spring creeks so much fun are minimal right now. Unless you know the creeks really well---as well as our Montana fly fishing guides---the fishing on the creeks takes some patience. Terrestrial fishing is OK with beetles and ants for those anglers willing to stick with it. Nymphing midge larva and sow bugs in the morning always produces. PMDs have pretty much stopped until next year so dry fly purists that love the spring creeks are waiting until the fall for Blue Winged Olives.
As a rule we use yarn indicators on spring creeks – generally custom cut to be just big enough to not sink. These indicators allow you to detect very subtle disturbances resulting in more hookups. Most trout are going to be selective and eating midge pupa or emergers or mayfly nymphs, emergers, or dries if you are lucky. The exact fly isn't always key, but something that is tied well, tied sparsely, and in the right size is more important than making sure you have "that one hot pattern." Where you fish and your presentation is much more important than changing out lots of flies.
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:
Black beetles in sizes 16-22
Hoppers in sizes 10-12
Cinnamon ant in size 16-22
PMD Captive Dun in size 16-22
PMD Sparkle Dun in size 16-22
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:
Terrestrials will rule the roost for the first half of September. Tricos can be important in the early morning, but haven't been that prevalent in a while. Spring creeks can be tough for die hard dry fly anglers, but always have cold water and are a nice mid summer option - the trout are always there and feeding but they aren't as reckless as they were during the PMD hatch so you have to earn each one.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The spring creeks are always a safe although technical option. Water temps are always cold even on the hottest days and the fish are loaded in the creeks. In the fall some of the weeds die back and the baetis hatch can be awesome in October, especially with some cloud cover.