Dec 25, 2024
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/697
Fly fishing spring creeks can be super challenging—the fish
are spooky, the water conditions aren't always perfect, and
sometimes it's hard to present a fly just right. But today, PJ
Smith—Driftless guide and Spring Creek expert—is here to share his
secrets.
He’s here to share how to find fish in winter, nighttime, and
all year. You’ll learn how to sneak up on spooky trout, the best
way to position yourself, and whether to cast upstream or
downstream.
Plus, you will find out when fishing is not fishing and when
not fishing is fishing.
Show Notes with PJ Smith on Fly Fishing Spring Creeks
and the Driftless.
04:23 - Trout Season in the Driftless wraps up in October to
give the fish a break for spawning, and it's a chance for anglers
to go deer hunting. January marks the start of a new season, where
fishing gets tricky with cold, clear water.
PJ says sunny days are your best bet, and being sneaky is
key.
https://vimeo.com/311013412
Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless in
Winter
Fishing the Driftless in the winter is much different than
September. The water is colder and gin clear, which can make fish
more sluggish. But if you’re patient and sneaky, winter fishing can
be great. Here’s what to expect:
- Look for warm, sunny days to get the best fishing.
- Be stealthy.
- Small black stoneflies will start hatching; you might even spot them in the snow!
- You can still catch fish on dry flies.
- Nymphing with small patterns works well.
How to Sneak Up on Spooky Trout
13:12 - PJ shares some tricks for sneaking up on
fish in the winter. He likes to keep a low profile by avoiding high
banks and staying in the water. Here are some tips:
- Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend in.
- Stay quiet and avoid loud movements.
- If you scare the fish, give them a few minutes to settle before trying again.
- What’s the Best Setup for Driftless Streams?
14:16 - PJ shares his simple setup for fishing Driftless
streams. He typically uses a dry-dropper rig with a dry fly like a
Hippie Stomper or Stimulator and a nymph below.
He keeps his leader system simple with a 7.5-foot leader,
using 3X or 4X for easy casting. He ties the dry fly directly to
the leader and attaches the dropper to the hook.
What Fish Are in the Driftless and How Big Do They
Get?
The native brook trout is pretty small in the Driftless, with
a 15-inch one considered a big catch. Most brook trout are around 9
to 10 inches. Brown trout, however, are much larger and can grow
over 20 inches. Anglers used to catch 30-inch browns, but they’re
harder to find these days.
Nighttime Fishing
20:29 - Night fishing can be pretty fun, but it has
challenges. The water may be too deep, and some drop-offs can be
dangerous, so it's important to know the area well. You'll need a
good headlamp with a red or green light, a spare one, and a small
flashlight for safety.
Always let someone know where you're fishing, especially when
heading out at night.
How Do You Fish Streamers at Night?
26:06 - PJ says he casts his fly across the pool and
lets it swing downstream. The goal is to mimic something like a
mouse or frog trying to escape. Sometimes, depending on how the
fish react, he’ll add a little twitch to the fly to make it more
tempting.
If bats are out, it’s time to rip the fly through the water.
Brown trout will even eat bats if they fall in. The key is
adjusting your technique based on how the fish bite that
night.
How Do You Make the Perfect Cast in Tight
Spots?
Practice is the key when making the perfect cast in tight
spots. You don’t need long casts—just a solid 20-footer with
pinpoint accuracy.
Focus on hitting small targets like seams, holding water, or
spots near rocks and vegetation. Roll casting is your best friend
in the Driftless, even more than a back cast. Learn sidearm and
roll cast to handle tricky spots under trees and around
obstructions.
What Flies Should You Tie for the
Driftless?
PJ shares his go-to flies for fishing in the Driftless area.
These patterns work year-round, especially in winter:
- Pink Squirrel
- Rubber Leg Stimulator
- Hippie Stompers
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue-Winged Olives
- Tricos
- Griffith's Gnat
- Bead Head Nymphs & Leech Patterns
- Jiggy Nymph Streamer
PJ’s top advice for winter fishing is to be patient and have
fun. Not every day is about catching fish. Even guides get skunked
sometimes! Use those moments to learn.
As PJ puts it, “When is fishing not fishing, and when is not
fishing, fishing?” Something to think about next time you’re out
there!
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/697