Big Spring Creek
spring creek in Montana
Big Spring Creek is a pristine spring-fed stream known for its consistent flows, stable temperatures, and rich aquatic insect life. It holds substantial populations of strong, wild brown and rainbow trout, demanding precise presentations and stealth from anglers due to its clear water and wary fish.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Big Spring Creek
- 01Big Spring Creek is fishing well under clear skies and mild fall temperatures (57°F).
- 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable, but spring creek conditions imply stable flows.
- 03October Caddis are becoming very active, particularly towards evening.
- 04Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) and Mahogany Duns are reliably hatching, especially on overcast days.
- 05Subsurface, midges, Baetis nymphs, and egg patterns are highly effective.
- 06Trout are beginning their spawning rituals, increasing the efficacy of egg imitations.
Past reports week by week
9 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Woolly Bugger (Olive)
A versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, effective for aggressive trout year-round, especially in colder fall water.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent, year-round food source in spring creeks, and remain active in fall's cooler temperatures.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
Regional intelligence indicates October Caddis are a significant fall hatch, and Big Spring Creek's stable temperatures likely support this activity.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Regional intelligence points to consistent BWO hatches in fall, making this an essential pattern for selective trout on spring creeks.
Scud (Pink/Orange)
Scuds are a constant and abundant food source in spring creeks year-round, and especially effective for opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonGlo Bug
Fall is prime egg-laying season for trout, making egg patterns highly effective for opportunistic feeders.
Buy at AmazonJujubaetis
Mimics subsurface Baetis nymphs, crucial during active fall BWO emergences, aligning with regional intelligence.
Buy at AmazonMahogany Dun
Regional reports highlight Mahogany Dun hatches as a strong presence in fall, a key dry fly for Big Spring Creek's trout.
Buy at AmazonWhere to fish and who to ask
Nelson's Spring Creek Area
While often private, the area around this landmark is indicative of prime spring creek water.
Public Access Lewistown
Accessible public sections near Lewistown offer wade fishing.
Get Big Spring Creek reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Montana season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Felt vs. Rubber Sole Wading Boots: What's Legal Where
Essential guide to felt vs. rubber sole wading boots, plus state-by-state regulations to keep you legal on the water.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Quick answers
Common questions about Big Spring Creek.
What flies work best on Big Spring Creek?
Our top scored fly patterns for Big Spring Creek right now are Jujubaetis (95% confidence), Zebra Midge (95% confidence), Pheasant Tail Nymph (95% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Big Spring Creek?
Big Spring Creek holds Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Big Spring Creek?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Big Spring Creek are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Big Spring Creek fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Big Spring Creek each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.