We continue to enjoy very solid early winter fishing and fishing conditions in the Paradise Valley. Warmer than average temperatures over the last few weeks and overcast days have made conditions on the Yellowstone River, Gardner River, and Paradise Valley Spring creeks very fishable with regular reports of large fish being taken on nymphs and streamers throughout the day. Low flows and water clarity have made for excellent, albeit spooky fishing.
There are still random surface feeding fish on the local spring creeks, most notably to irruptive hatches of baetis and midges in the slower calmer water in, above, and below the ponds as well as the tails of pools. A baetis or midge dry fly with a weighted emerger below is just the ticket to target fish actively feeding in the upper part of the water column.
There are still good numbers of brown trout in post spawn feeding stages in our local tributaries and the main stem of the Yellowstone. Please be mindful of spawning redds/beds and their location, please avoid wading over them. Spawning activity has largely stopped except for some late season stragglers. Focus your attention below the cleared spawning redds and in the stabile pools with egg or egg-like patterns fished near the bottom. Egg-like flies coupled with a midge pattern has consistently produced good fishing over the week. Fish the rig deep and slow.
Fish appear to be most active on sunny days in the afternoon. On cloudy or warm days, we’ve enjoyed a good fish bite earlier in the morning.
The Yellowstone has seen some good streamer fishing to post spawn browns. If trout Spey is your game this could be one of the best times of year to swing these flies. The slow swinging presentation, and fly construction attract the attention of post spawn fish.
Note on safety: whether you’re walk and wading the Yellowstone, the Gardiner, or the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks please be aware of the effect of air and water temps during late fall and winter fishing. The risk of hypothermia is increased. Use caution traversing ice covered shoreline. Follow the US Coast Guard cold weather tips for a safe and fun day on the water.
Suggested Flies:
Nymphs:
Eggs patterns, hot bead sowbugs and other nymphs , Zebra midge (red, olive, black), Frenchie, Psycho Prince (yell/or) , Darth Baetis, Sawyer Pheasant tail, sow bug, scud, blood blister midge, Squirmy worm, perdigon, Cheeseman Emerger, Pink var. Blow Torch.
Streamers:
Wooly bugger,(black, olive), Sparkle minnow, Home Invader, Slump Buster, leach patterns, Baby Gonga, Rubber legged cone head Krystal bugger (yellow), Intruder style spey flies, large soft hackle flies, McCune’s Olive Sculpin.
Dries:
Harroup’s hanging midge, Brooks sprout midge emerger, cluster midge, Harroups CDC adult midge, CDC olive comparadun, Last Chance Cripple (BWO),
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