d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a • s p r i n g 2 0 1 4
18
Five Tips For
Fishing
Montana spring Creeks
M
ontana is home to some of the world's finest spring
creeks. Spring creeks are unique fisheries that are formed when
waters percolate to the surface from underground aquifers. They
are famous for producing some of the most challenging fly-fishing conditions in the world for wary and
selective wild trout. Since the water has traveled underground for months or often years, it is protected
from surface temperatures and emerges at a steady 48 degrees, which is Montana's mean annual tem-
perature. The flows of spring creeks are also uniform across the year since they are fed by groundwater
vs. surface run off which fluctuates greatly based on rain and snow patterns. The stable water flows and
temperatures create a safe haven for both trout and the aquatic insects and crustaceans that make up the
majority of their diet.
The concentration of trout in spring creeks generally surpasses that of most rivers and streams of a
similar size. The large density of macro-invertebrates combined with crystal clear waters and smooth,
glassy currents also help to generate complex fishing conditions and highly selective trout. Spring
creeks are widely considered to produce some of the most challenging fly-fishing conditions in the
sport. Many avid fly fishers who enjoy the chess match that unfolds on the water each day cherish the
difficult nature of spring creek fishing.
artICLE aND
pHotoS CourtESy oF
BrIaN McgEEHaN
