Spring is fast approaching, marking the start of a yearly cycle we eagerly anticipate as migratory rainbow and cutbow trout move out of the reservoirs where they’ve wintered to begin spawning in the streams that feed these larger bodies of water. Their movement is triggered by two key factors: a slight rise in water temperature and increased flows from melting snow and ice. As they prepare for this annual ritual, these fish are hungry and aggressive.
1. High Vis Micro Chubby—Royal #12
2. Stimulator—#14
3. Parachute Adams—#18
4. Jig Beadhead Girdle Bug—Black/Orange #12
5. Trina's Squirm—Purple #16
6. Jig Crack Bullet—Cream #16
7. Yakoda Purple Reign—#16
8. Yakoda Lip Sticker—Pink #18
9. Yakoda Hot Wire CDC—#18
10. Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail—#18
This time of year also brings a welcome shift in tactics—we can swap out the delicate tippet and small flies of winter for stronger tippet and larger flies, as these powerful, energized trout are ready to eat and fight. Nymphing remains the go-to technique in early spring, but we’ve included a few dry flies for April and May when bug activity picks up. Getting flies down deep this time of year is key, as the biggest fish tend to hug the bottom. A heavy Jig Beadhead Girdle Bug, packed with movement and color, is always a solid choice. You can trail any of the nymphs in this box, but we’d lean toward Trina’s Squirm or our Pink Lip Sticker.
For smaller creeks, stealth is key and bigger flies can sometimes spook trout. In these situations, downsizing your bug selection will yield better results. The Yakoda Purple Reign makes an excellent point fly, paired with the Hot Wire CDC. The combination of a fast-sinking, flashy nymph followed by a more natural-looking trailer has proven highly effective.
As temperatures rise and flying insects—and even small grasshoppers—start appearing, you’ll want to adjust your approach and switch to a dry-dropper rig or even a double dry setup. The Stimulator is a fantastic spring fly—it floats well, can support heavier nymphs and can imitate multiple insects including stoneflies and caddis. Pair it with the Jig Crack Bullet, a fast-sinking grub-like fly that’s highly productive when caddis begin to move. Another great option is trailing a Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail beneath any dry fly. This unweighted nymph mimics emerging insects, riding just under the surface—perfect for fooling those selective, sipping fish.
After a long, cold winter, we couldn’t be more excited for spring! Now’s the time to organize your gear and get ready for another trip around the sun chasing fish. Understanding migratory patterns and their connection to seasonal changes will help you tune into their cyclical nature—leading to more fish in your net and more fun on the water.
See you out there!
