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697 | Fly Fishing Spring Creeks and the Driftless with PJ Smith

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Release Date: 12/25/2024

874 | How Grundéns Turned Commercial Fishing Survival Gear into Fly Fishing Essentials show art 874 | How Grundéns Turned Commercial Fishing Survival Gear into Fly Fishing Essentials

Wet Fly Swing Fly Fishing Podcast

Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/874 Sponsors: , , and  Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Most fly fishing gear is built for comfort. Some of it is built for performance. But very little of it is built with the assumption that conditions can turn from “kinda crappy” to “this could go bad” in a hurry. That’s where Grundéns comes in. In this episode, I sat down with Justin Waters, who’s right in the middle of translating nearly 100 years of commercial fishing toughness into gear that guides, steelheaders, and fly anglers lean on when the weather goes...

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873 Show Notes: Presented by:   This episode breaks entomology down into something you can actually use. Sawyer Finley, guide at Grand Teton Fly Fishing, explains how insects live, move, and emerge—and how trout respond to that reality, not just to textbook hatches. The focus is on observation, timing, and availability, not memorization.   Show Notes:  

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#872 Show Notes:      Presented by: In this episode, I sat down with Nicolas Rivero to dig into fly fishing Patagonia. We covered the two-basin setup in Patagonia, the famous Limay River, giant brook trout in mountain lakes, and what a full April trip with Moccasin Fly Club looks like on the water. If you’re curious about swinging flies for migratory trout, fishing both lakes and rivers in one week, or planning your first Patagonia trip, this one’s packed. Show Notes:        

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870 Show Notes: Presented by:  ,  , , Somewhere deep in the Ozarks, Missouri splits in two. One side is farmland and highways. The other is the Eleven Point River, where everything goes quiet. No houses. No roads. Just cold, spring-fed water sliding through Mark Twain National Forest and miles of wild trout water where you can float for hours without seeing anyone. In this episode, we dig into fly fishing the Eleven Point River and the surrounding Ozark streams with Justin Spencer. We talk about his indicator jig system, why movement matters more than anything, when the fishing is...

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Show Notes: Https://wetfyswing.com/869 Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors Blooming olives were popping. Trout were rising everywhere. And Eric Johnson was sitting in a drift boat on the Missouri River, staring at one of those dry fly days you don’t forget. What makes this episode different is that Eric isn’t a guide, brand rep, or longtime lodge regular. He’s the actual winner of our On DeMark Dry Fly Giveaway, and this conversation is a full behind-the-scenes look at what happens when someone really does win one of these trips. From the prize pack to the lodge vibe to the reach...

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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:
 
  1. Pink Squirrel 
  2. Rubber Leg Stimulator
  3. Hippie Stompers 
  4. Elk Hair Caddis 
  5. Blue-Winged Olives 
  6. Tricos
  7. Griffith's Gnat
  8. Bead Head Nymphs & Leech Patterns
  9. 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!