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Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fishing Report

This Montana spring creek fishing report is valid April 14 through early May.

The spring creeks are an excellent choice now, though probably not as good as the Yellowstone when it is clear, due to higher rates that start the 14th.

BWO and midge hatches are the main draws right now. They will be best from midday onward on calm, cloudy days, even if it is rainy/snowy. Bright, hot, windy days may not see much in the way of hatches.

The other real driver of the fishing through April is rainbow trout up from the Yellowstone on their spawning runs. Do not target these fish over shallow gravel! Instead, look for both resident and pre-spawn fish hanging in the dark-bottomed water downstream of spawning gravel. Fish eggs, San Juan Worms, midge pupae, and BWO nymphs. These fish get fat gobbling the smorgasbord created by spawning activity upstream, and you can target these feasters without hurting the next generation. Streamers may also work, and are probably better bets if you are looking for a small number of larger trout. That said, the nymph rigs can produce a lot of fish this time of year.

The creeks are now on spring rates. This will reduce crowds slightly, since these rates are about double the winter rates that just ended. That said, pleasant days will still be quite busy and you may struggle to get access on short notice.

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