Fly fishing spring creeks comes with its own challenges. Usually, the water is uber-clear—and if you can see the fish, they can probably see you, too. They require long, delicate casts, spot-on presentations and no small amount of luck, particularly in high sun.
Well, that’s what I used to think, anyway. After watching this Todd Moen video, courtesy of Catch Magazine, on fly fishing the Yamsi Ranch in the headwaters of the Williamson River, I’m convinced that not all spring creeks are created equal. Here, as you’ll see, anglers are encouraged to give their dry flies some action and even—perish the thought!—strip dry flies back to you on the retrieve fast enough to make them dive underwater, where the chances of getting hit are quite good.
This advice goes against anything I’ve ever heard or seen when it comes to fishing on spring creeks. But, hey… it works. It works well.
It’s a unique place, to be sure. I’m adding to my list.
— Chris Hunt