March 24, 2026
Paradise Valley Spring Creek Fishing Report
Fishing the Livingston Rod Co 8'9"#3 on Nelsons. Photo: Ken Phillips
The Spring Creeks have been fishing well. Midges are still the main hatch, although guides have been seeing more and more baetis. There are a lot of baetis nymphs under the rocks. Fingers are cross that "the W" doesn't get going too badly. If you don't see much activity on the surface, try nymphing with midge larva patterns, scuds, sowbugs, hothead nymphs, or small baetis Euro nymphs.
The rainbows are starting to spawn, as always be careful where you tread and please refrain from fishing to actively spawning fish to ensure future generations of trout have their best chance.
Don't forget to bring your 6X - 6.5X, which will help you with a delicate presentation and also a better drift. Ditto that if you have a 3 or a 4-weight rod, (just remember it could be windy so you might bring your 5-weight along as well).
Even though there is less fishing pressure out there in the winter and early spring, the fish are still "spring creek spooky" so wade slowly and be as stealthy as you can.
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
Baetis dark thin nymphs #18-22
Baetis light thin nymphs #18-22
Baetis perdigon #18-22
Iydle's Baetis nymph #18-20
WD-40 Olive #18-22
WD-40 Grey #18-22
Baetis Short Wing Emerger #18-22
BWO Sparkle Duns #18-20
CDC Baetis Dun #18-20
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
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