Well it’s been an interesting start to the winter again out here. Just this past week we had most days around 50 degrees and sunny. Not exactly the best Spring creek weather- but fishing comfortably in December is not something that happens often.
I fished Depuys on Monday, then helped out with the Project Healing Waters there again on Tuesday. Both days were very similar. Cold and frosty morning, that quickly warmed up by lunchtime. The sun was bright and clouds were scarce. The creek was also a little off color for us from the house pond down. Definitely murky- not sure if the pond turned over or what?
Fishing started slow both days. A few bites here and there on midges, sow bugs and or Beatis nymphs. Nothing crazy. Bug life definitely seemed to peak in the mid afternoon- mostly midges hatching. I was at the house pond and there was actually a pretty decent midge hatch there, and fish on them in the pond. We also saw a number of beatis still kicking around. So a small pheasant tail is still a great option. There were much better reports downstream as well in the afternoon from other anglers. Seemed like the fish just woke up all of a sudden.
The spawn is petering out it seemed like. Only saw a few fish on reds down by Eva’s hut, and just the overall fish activity seems to be down compared to October and November.
With that being said, the spring creeks are still, without a doubt, our best winter Flyfishing option here in southwest Montana. I was just talking with Jan- a spring creek wizard- and he was saying how he thinks the fish are sort of transitioning into their winter rhythms in the creek. Makes sense to me. I think as our winter weather continues to set in, fish will begin to get more active in their winter zones, and the fishing will begin to pick back up.
Flies that worked the best for us this past week were- #18hot head sow bugs (sorry), #20 Thread Midge Miracle, #black zebra midge, #18 Spanish Bullet, worms.
We have a number of secret spring creek patterns hand tied by local guides at our shop. If you are fishing the creeks this winter be sure to stop by and see what we got!
Tight Lines
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