The Paradise Valley spring creeks are hosting their first mayfly hatches of the year. Beatis (Blue Winged Olives) are hatching in modest numbers, but the fish really aren't eating them on top just yet. Midges also continue to hatch and dry fly fishing should only improve as winter begins to melt into spring. BWO nymphs, pheasant tails, glo-bugs, and zebra midge patterns are catching fish.
The Yellowstone River remains mostly ice-covered in Paradise Valley, but the hot springs that enter the river between the Yankee Jim Canyon and Gardiner, MT have kept the water open and fishable in this stretch. Be careful wading along the ice covered banks. Rubberlegs and Psycho Prince nymphs are my go-to patterns this time of year.
