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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

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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!