As we get into April Spring is starting to arrive. The returning pairs of geese and ducks arrive first, hoping to find that the small lakes a ponds have thawed out. Robins and Bluebirds show up next. Elk and deer begin to appear in the hay fields at the beginning and end of each day.

Things are starting to stir in the river, too. By now, many of the bigger, more mature rainbows and cutthroats have staked out a spot in the Oxbow to spawn. We stay clear of the redds, but take advantage of the first good streamer fishing of the season. Hang onto the rod and pay attention!

Small stoneflies are still crawling out to the edges in the main channel and an assortment of caddis flies begin to emerge sporadically in the later afternoon. For the dry fly fisherman, this is the beginning of the season. Most of the pocket water on both ranches can be fished with a dry and a dropper rig. the fish are starting to look up and can be taken with Royal Wulffs, Stimulators, Caddis Dries and Parachutes in sizes 14, 16 and 18. Standard nymphs work well in the morning hours. Prince Nymphs, Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails in the same sizes as the dries will produce all day long. Old-fashioned soft hackle patterns work best as the caddis activity increases.