Fishing on local waters is still following a fairly predictable winter pattern but as we slowly creep into spring we are definitely seeing signs of renewed life and the fishing is on the upswing. The trout are still in their winter lies and easy to locate. Some early season midge hatches have already started to produce some dry fly action for lucky anglers that are in the right place at the right time. Rainbows are beginning to move in preparation for the spring spawn, producing some exciting action in spring creeks. The major cold snaps are largely a thing of the past and even the most stubborn rivers should begin to release their ice dams and ice shelves in the coming weeks, allowing for safer fishing and even some floating.
Hatches
On a mild winter day you might be lucky enough to run into some rising trout feeding on midges. The midge hatches often peak in March and extend into April. Even freestone streams like the Gallatin will produce some sporadic midge hatches. If the hatch isn’t too strong, dries that imitate single midges are more productive, such as a palomino pattern. On tailwaters like the Madison and Missouri, the midge hatches in the winter can be thick in the late morning and the insects will cluster together so many of the patterns such as the Griffith's gnat that imitate these “rafts” of insects can out produce single insect patterns.
Fly Selection
Nymphing is hands down the most effective technique in the early spring months (although streamers and even dries can still be an option). The fly selection doesn’t have to be fancy but will vary from fishery to fishery. On the bigger rivers such as the Yellowstone, Gallatin and Madison it is nice to still fish something larger than the top fly such as a stonefly nymph, crayfish pattern or sculpin trailed by a smaller nymph. For small nymphs, think small with hooks in the 18-20 range. Patterns that produce include small baetis emergers, pheasant tails and midge larva. San Juan worms and eggs are also good patterns to try and if you are fishing a tail water or spring creek a sow bug can produce (especially pink). On spring creeks the big/small rule for nymphing can still apply but the “big fly” might be a size 14 sow bug trailed by a size 22 midge larva. Takes in the cold weather months are always very “soft”. The fact that trout are not moving much for flies along with the slow water that they are found in produces a very light reaction on a strike indicator. It is important to experiment with weighting to ensure flies are right on the bottom. Many of our guides also prefer a yarn indicator in the winter which makes it easier to see subtle ticks and changes of speed. If your indicator tilts, slows down, speeds up, or looks “funny” set the hook and ask questions later.
Reading Water
Trout are still in the mode of a maintenance diet and their metabolism is directly tied to the water temperature which means it is slow. Trout are still in their winter runs and will be there for most of the early spring. This time of year you need to have laser focus on where you fish and target the deeper runs with slow to medium currents. Trout will not be found in the fast riffles or bustling pocket water that is so productive in the warmer months. The good news is that once you find some of these winter time honey holes they will be packed with trout. Fish densities in the best winter runs can be staggering with dozens upon dozens of trout packed together.