February 18, 2026
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fishing Report
The Spring Creeks have been fishing well this winter. For starters, they had a good return of spawning brown trout this fall compared to recent returns. It has also been a mild winter (although sometimes windy), which means your fingers will have a better time than a typical February...
Midges are the main hatch through the winter and will remain so until spring baetis begin to emerge in April/May. Wind often plays a role on whether you will witness actively rising fish. If you don't see much activity on the surface, try nymphing with midge larva patterns, scuds, sowbugs, or small euro nymphs (the tungsten beads will help for your weight in deeper holes).
Don't forget to bring your 6X - 6.5X, which will help you with a delicate presentation and also a better drift. Even though there is less pressure out there right now, they are still Spring Creek fish and very spooky.
Give us a call for a wind report: 1-406-222-7130
Recommended flies
Dry flies:
Harrop Hanging Midge Black #18-24
Harrop Hanging Midge Grey #18-24
Brook's Sprout Midge Emerger #18-22
George's Tailless Midge #20-22
Midge Cluster #16-22
Griffith's Gnat #16-20
CDC Cluster Midge #22-24
Nymphs:
Miracle Nymphs #16-22
Zebra midges (all colors) #18-22
Tungsten Zebra Midges (all colors) #18-22
Larva Lace Midge Larve (all colors) #18-22
Black Bead TZM (all colors) #18
Humbug Midge Rootbeer #18-20
Humbug Midge Olive #18-20
Graveyard Midge #18
Paulson's Pink Softy #14-18
Sow bug Soft Hackle Pink #16-18
Orang Ray Charles #16-18
Spring Creek Leech #10-12
Recommended Terminal Tackle:
Rod: A 3 or 4-weight fly rod are best for light presentation, tippet protection, and getting the best drift.
Tippet: TroutHunter 6X, 6.5X - (fluorocarbon or nylon), Scientific Angler's 6X, 6.5X - (fluorocarbon or nylon), Airflo 6X, 6.5X nylon, Rio Fluoroflex 6X, 6.5X. 7X or smaller is possible, but only with the right rod and operator, otherwise plan on loosing some flies when the fish go for the weeds...
Nymph Leader: 9-12' 6X knotless, 12' 6X George's Hand Tied Hot Butt Leader
Dry Fly Leader: 12' 6X knotless, 12' 6X George's Hand Tied Clear Butt Leader