Spring runoff is an annual occurrence here in Montana and while it limits the water we can fish, there are plenty of fishing opportunities to be had.  Below is a list of our favorite patterns to use during the spring runoff period.  There are obviously a ton of other patterns that work great, these are just our shops favorites!

Elk Hair Caddis - One of the most iconic fly patterns in the west.  The Caddis start hatching during spring runoff and while there have been hundreds of other caddis patterns created since the Elk Hair Caddis, none have been more successful.  When tied correctly, it’s got plenty of elk hair to keep it afloat in bigger spring water.

Yeager’s 409 - The Yeager 409 is tied in a number of colors and fishes well in all of them, we prefer the yellow version in the spring to imitate the first major stonefly hatch that we see; the Yellow Sallie.  Everything on this pattern is designed to help it float which is important when the water is flowing fast and high.
 

The Chubby -  Skwalas, golden stones, and salmon flies all hatch at one time or another during the spring and you can fish the Chubby for any of them.  The Chubby is an exceptionally well floating fly that comes in a variety of colors that allow you to “match the hatch.”  We use the olive Chubby during the skwala hatch, the orange or gold during the golden stone hatch, and the copper version for the famed salmon fly hatch.  This pattern can float almost any dropper so it’s a definite must have in any anglers fly box.

Pat’s Rubberleg -  Like its adult version the Chubby, Pat’s Rubberleg is a must have in every anglers arsenal.  Before you start seeing adult stoneflies buzzing around along the banks, they’ll be crawling along the bottom headed for the shore where they hatch.  Coincidentally, when the water is high the fish are pushed to the banks where they gorge on stonefly nymphs.  Throw one of these underneath a Chubby and cast towards the bank or double up on the rubberleg’s underneath an indicator!

Hot Head Stoner Nymph - This pattern is tied by Dan Delekta who owns and operates Beartooth Fly Fishing on the Upper Madison.  Dan created this pattern specifically for high, dirty water.  The big bright hot bead on the front gets the bug down when the water’s flowing fast and gives the bug a better chance of being seen by the fish.  This is a heavy, heavy, fly that requires a fast action rod to throw it!

UV Juan Worm -  An off shoot of the San Juan Worm, the UV Juan utilizes ultraviolet materials that are more easily seen by fish.  We’ve found over the past few years that this pattern has out-fished every other worm pattern on the Lower Madison and Missouri Rivers (being that they are both tail-waters they’re an excellent choice when our freestone rivers are dirty).

Black Wooly Bugger -  Another classic pattern, I bet the Wooly Bugger has caught more fish than any other pattern out there.  This fly is at home on the rivers as well as in the lakes, and imitates everything from sculpin to stoneflies and leeches.  This really is one of the most versatile patterns ever created!    

Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow -  A streamer that is extremely bright, easy to throw, and just plain catches fish.  This will make even the most inexperienced streamer fisherman (or woman) look like a pro.  It’s even been known to work on those bright sunny days.  If you like to chuck meat I’d have a few of these bugs with you.

Scupzilla - This is becoming a classic western streamer, and for good reason- it works!  Tied with a heavy cone head and a single articulated stinger hook, this fly gets down deep and has tons of movement.  Depending on the color you choose it imitates everything from sculpin to small trout and whitefish.  We prefer black, white, and sunrise when the rivers are running dirty.

Cone Head JJ Special - This is another great pattern that we fall back on in the spring time due to its multitude of uses.  You can dead-drift the JJ under and indicator, fish it as a single streamer, or run two JJ’s chasing each other.  It has UV legs which help the fish find it in dirty water and the cone helps you get down when the rivers are raging.

As was stated earlier, there are tons of patterns that work great during spring runoff, these are just a few of our personal favorites!  Don’t let the spring weather keep you in, get out there and catch some fish!