The Nelson’s Blog
Get updates and a peek into our life here on Nelson’s Spring Creek Ranch.
A place where ranching and fishing have come together creating
the ultimate Montana experience.
Montana Fishing Guide Lance Gray
Montana fishing guide Lance Gray grew up in Paradise Valley, Montana and has a thorough knowledge of local area waters.
Montana Fly Fishing in August
August is a great month for fly fishing in Montana. The weather consistently stays warm and the high water resulting from spring runoff is over.
Fishing Montana’s spring creeks with Emily Strawser
Fly fishing on Montana’s spring creeks ranks high among fly fishing guide Emily Strawser’s favorite types of water to fish. Read more about Emily.
Stillwater fly fishing techniques
Stillwater fly fishing offers unique opportunities at large trout that aren’t available to the moving water angler.
Fly Fishing the Yellowstone River
Zach Petrich grew up fly fishing the Yellowstone river and its many small tributaries. An experienced fly fishing guide, he has a passion for wild streams and rivers and technical fishing.
Spring creeks fly fishing techniques
Fly fishing spring creeks in Montana requires a fine tuning of skills and techniques. Although the general methods are the same across fly fishing, special attention to detail makes the difference between a successful or a frustrating day on the water.
Fishing with Mom
Mother’s Day is upon us and just like that May is almost half over. It’s amazing how fast the time slips away and all we’re left with is what we should have done. The busyness of life tends to eat up time in giant chunks leaving behind could of and should of’s. The reality is time marches on, but we can make time for special moments. Many of the special moments in my life have come while fly fishing. The shut down and lack of guide clients has offered time of reflection on the essence of fly fishing and the joy of sharing the experience with others. Sometimes our greatest challenges are lined with blessings if we take a moment to look. The craziness resulting from the ramifications of COVID 19 has left little time for fly fishing. Between the ranch chores and trying to plan for an uncertain summer time has been fleeting. However, on...
COVID Craziness
2020 has not been normal. The COVID-19 craziness has slowed our guiding to a halt. Instead of inspecting the daily trout menu of baetis and midges, we’re washing hands and social distancing. Since the “flattening of the curve” and the phased reopening of the state we are starting to see an uptick in day fisherman. The fish on the creek have been well rested, and although we’ve been following guidelines, the fish have still been gorging on their daily fare. Nelson’s Spring Creek is getting daily activity of midges in the mornings and evenings and baetis mid day. The fish have not seen much pressure, but they are still educated spring creek fish and stealthy presentations along with proper fly selection are key to success. The hot nymphs have been red and green midge larva, zebra midges, dark pheasant tails, and scuds. Recommended dry...
