The Stillwater River is low and clear but the nymph fishing has been good in the deeper pools. The water temperatures are still extremely cold over here so it is very important to focus your attention on the slow, deep, winter holding water. If you find one fish there is a very good chance that several others will be holding nearby. Keep your fly selection simple: Stoneflies and Worms as your top fly and Midges, Eggs, or small mayflies like a Pheasant tail as your bottom fly. You will need to add some split shot to your rig to get down into the strike zone.
The Month Ahead:
The fishing will improve into early May until run off arrives in late May.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Stillwater is a relatively cold river and isn’t as productive as some other fisheries in the region. April will result in better results but we wouldn’t recommend a long drive to get there until later in the spring when water temps produce more active fish. Run off on the Stillwater generally ends in late June. There can be very good float fishing in July and early August following run off. This is a nice attractor dry fly fishery.