I played hookie from the shop yesterday afternoon to fish for a couple of hours on Depuy’s Spring Creek. While it wasn’t exactly non-stop action, I did bring some fish to the net. Naturally, the two biggest fish were long-line releases. It was all nymphing; I didn’t see any fish up on midges. Probably the sun and wind. Though it wasn’t nearly as windy at the creek as it was at the shop, which is often the case. Patterns that caught fish included a scud, a Sawyer pheasant tail, and a zebra midge. If you do go, especially if it’s cloudy with little wind, be sure to take along some midge emerger and adult patterns, in case you run across any rising fish. Remember, rod fees are only $40 on all of the spring creeks until April 15, so it’s a relatively affordable way to get your spring creek fix. And you’re unlikely to have other anglers competing for your favorite spot.

The Yellowstone continues to have steady fishing with nymphs. There have also been reports of good midge hatches in the Paradise Valley. Look for rising fish in the slower water, such as the tailouts of pools, in the slack water behind rocks, and in eddies. A midge-cluster pattern, such as a Griffith’s Gnat, can be the ticket. Again, you’ll be most likely to run into surface action on warmer, cloudy days with little wind. Streamers, dead-drifted under an indicator or stripped slowly, may also pick up a bigger fish or two. This winter has provided us multiple opportunities to scratch the fishing itch. Choose a nice day, call in sick, and get out there!