Adaptability and perseverance are the names of the game for spring fishing. The conditions are dynamic and the weather isn't always ideal, but if you keep a pulse on the weather and water flows — and most importantly if you go fishing — you can experience incredible angling in the spring.
We are currently in our pre-runoff phase, and the rivers are going to ebb and flow. There will be windows of stability, and those are the days to skip work and wet a line.
As always, don't hesitate to give us a call at the shop for current conditions: 406.222.1673.
We also have guided days available, but they're booking up quickly! Book a guided trip today.
Yellowstone River
2,780 CFS in Livingston on 5/1/26
If clarity on the Stone remains fishable, options abound. We’re still seeing good Baetis hatches, especially on calmer days. These are going to peak around midday. Start fishing nymphs early and then switch to emergers as conditions warm. Look for fish to key into Baetis in slack water, back eddies, and foam. March browns are another great option in the afternoon.
Our recent cold weather cycle slowed the caddis hatch, but they are starting to show up in good numbers. Hitting the hatch in fishable conditions can be tricky as runoff spikes, so it's important to read the tea leaves to pick good times to go after the caddis hatch. This tends to be more of an afternoon hatch, so you can fish BWOs in the morning and caddis in the afternoon. Fishing an emerger behind an adult can be a great way to approach things, and if you don’t have a Mother’s Day-specific caddis pattern, an elk hair caddis with a smushed-down wing works great. Think smaller and darker than summer caddis.
Streamers are a great bet in the spring, especially as the water muddies. Big streamers can be more easily seen in the murky waters. If you're not picking up fish, try different patterns and techniques: strip it, drift it under a bobber, swing it.
Paradise Valley Spring Creeks
As the Yellowstone River muddies during runoff, the spring creeks remain a great option. All the creeks are now on spring pricing, but it's still affordable and money well-spent. These creeks remain clear and consistent all year round.
Look for awesome and highly technical BWO hatches on the creeks now, and bring your A-game. We should be seeing active caddis hatches, depending on the day, but make sure your fly boxes are stocked with the full life cycle.
The spring creeks do book quickly these days, especially on weekends. Plan ahead and be flexible if capacity has been reached.
