Classic March in Wyoming, a little glimpse of spring and a tease or warm weather and a splash of winter still flexing its muscles on us.

The Reef

Fishing has been good and straight forward. The Reef is fishing well on Worms from larger annelids to smaller size rock worms, midge and small nymphs (Mayhems, RS2s, and similar), leeches, and egg patterns. We are in the middle of the Flush, if the clarity holds, this can churn up a lot of trout food and as the river settles back in the fish do too and can take advantage of the new buffet of easy pickings. Tons of annelids, leeches and even crawfish, so pick your flies accordingly.  The streamer bite has been slowing a little, but worth a shot, with Goldies, Rusty Trombones, Ditch Witches, and Sparkle Yummies are go to selections.

The Spawn

It is spawn time for the rainbows, there are a bunch of fish on the beds and more to join the party. Please remember to let these fish be on the beds, and don’t wade through or target them. They are extremely obvious- the big cleaned up glowing gravel equal redds. Those paired up or groups of fish on said clean gravel are spawning, give them a break. Wading on the beds can be extremely detrimental to their success (for stats on decrease spawning success, see the blog post this fall). Fish where they feed, not where they breed. Don’t forget the WYGF regulations closures: “That portion lying between the “Closed Area” signs at the gauge cable crossings (the first cable crossing is approximately 700 yards downstream from Gray Reef Dam) is closed to fishing from April 1 through April 30. 

The Mile

The Mile has been good as well. This last snow and melt and some potential snow at the end of the week could have the road a little dicey getting in. Choose your own adventure on that one, but the road has been ok getting in. 

The Bighorn

Thermopolis has been really good as well. Heavy on the sow bugs. A lot of spawning, so again, be mindful of where and how you are fishing. 

It is exciting, we are on the back nine of winter and fishing is just going to get better and better. Look for BWO’s to start getting added to the menu along with the midges, leeches and worms. If you are itching to get out, we do have dates available, and the guides are excited to get back at it doing what they love and sharing these fisheries with you.