December Fishing Report

Paradise Valley has been enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures over the last week leading to excellent winter fishing conditions throughout the Valley. 

While winter conditions do persist, anglers are finding consistently feeding fish throughout the Valley on the spring creeks and in the Yellowstone River.  Most notably, post spawn brown trout, nymphing has been the most consistent technique.  Additionally, there are some fish being taken on swung streamers.

Look for fish in deep stable pools and runs.  Fish them deeply and slowly either suspended under an indicator or by utilizing tight line Euro nymphing techniques where conditions allow. On the Yellowstone River a stone fly nymph with a blow torch dropper has been productive as has slowly swung and stripped streamers 

On Nelson’s, Depuy’s and Armstrong’s spring creeks midge pupae and larvae patterns have been very productive as have scuds, sow bugs, small perdigons, baetis and caddis nymphs. 

Nymphs:
Blow torch (pink variant), Copper John, dark Perdigon and euro nymphs, heavily weighted and on competion jig hooks. Cased caddis, rhycophilia caddis larvae, speckled stonefly double tungsten beaded  #10-12, San Juan worm, Wire worm Rubberlegs,  zebra midge- (16-22) olive red black cream, chironocone, Blood-blister midge, Trash can midge, scud, sowbug (hot dot), baetis nymphs 20-22.

Streamers:
Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow (olive, black), hot bead Slump Buster – olive, Dirty Hippy,  Galloups style articulated flies on sinking lines swung through deep holes.

Dries:
The spring creek hatches have dwindled but if you are really lucky you might encounter a Baetis or midge emergence that would inspire a rising trout – Griffiths Gnat, Haroup’s Hanging Midge, CDC Comparadun, Last Chance Cripple.

The S|N Fly Shop at Nelson’s spring creek offers specialty selection of flies and equipment and is open year ’round to service you fly fishing needs.

Nelson’s Guides and Flies offers guided fishing tours of the Paradise Valley Spring Creeks, the Upper Yellowstone River, and other notable Montana trout rivers throughout the year.

Nelson’s Spring Creek has available rods throughout the winter season at a daily rate of $45.00, a full-service fly shop and guide service to support your winter fishing. Contact Mary Nelson at 406-220-6560 for a reservation.

Extended outlook
A strong high-pressure system over the northern Rockies will continue to support unseasonably warm weather over the next week with air temperatures warming into the high 40’ and low 50’s.  Water temperature on the spring creek are spiking midafternoon and resulting in your best, and most consistent, opportunity for finding feeding fish.