September 28, 2026
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fishing Report
Kelsey, doing more Kelsey things! Photo: BFD
The spring creeks have been on and off lately. When on, they are eating small baetis (size #18-22), midges (both dries and nymphs), scuds, as well as terrestrials. When it's off it typically has something to do with the wind / barometer and it has been tough for all anglers.
Some bigger fish are starting to get caught, although the bulk run of browns is still yet to come. When they do come in thick, please be careful where you fish (and step) and refrain from fishing to actively spawning fish or to females digging redds.
Fishing with 6 or 6.5X has been the best, which means bring along a softer 5 weight, or if you have one, or even better bring a 4-weight or a 3-weight.
Other handy items to bring along:
- A 3 or 4-weight fly rod (better for delicate presentations and tippet protection)
- A net (easier on the fish and you break off less flies while landing them)
- 12 foot 6 leader (a good base leader)
- 5-7X tippet (use 5 if you can, 6.5X if you need it, 7 or thinner if you dare)
- Floatant (Gink, Aquel, dry magic)
- Powdered desiccant (Frog's Fanny, Dry Shake)
- SPF chapstick (good for the sun and your knots)
RATES:
Armstrong's: 4/15 - 6/14: $100, 6/15-7/31: $150, 8/1-9/14: $120, 9/15-10/14: $100
DePuy's: 4/15 - 6/14: $100, 6/15 - 7/31: $150, 8/1 - 9/14: $120, 9/15-10/14: $100
Nelson's: 4/1 - 6/14: $100, 6/15 - 7/31: $140, 8/1-11/1: $100, 11/1 - 3/31: $60
Lower Depuy's... Photo:Ryan Mincey
Recommended flies
Dry flies:
Sulphur Sawyer Nymph #18-20
Sulphur CDC Emergers #16-20
Sulphur Sparkle Dun #16-20
Sulphur Comparadun #16-20
Sulphur Spinners #16-20
PMD Sparkle Dun #14-20
PMD Compara Dun #14-20
Brooks Sprout Emerger PMD #16-20
PMD CDC Dun #16-20
PMD Hi-vis Spinner #14-18
PMD CDC Spinner #14-18
Rusty Spinner #14-18
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
Baetis Comparadun #18-20
Baetis Sparkle Dun#18-20
Nymphs:
Splitback PMD #14-18
Tungsten Splitback PMD #16-20
Harrop Short Wing Emerger #14-18
Sawyer Style Pheasant Tail #14-20
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
Sowbug #16-20
Hothead Softhackles #16-20
Grey Ray Charles #16-20
Orange Ray Charles #16-20
Olive Scuds #16-20
Grey Scuds #16-20