There is no question that spring weather in Montana is a roller coaster ride – conditions change by the day, sometimes by the hour. In the past week we’ve had snow, rain, cold, clouds, sun, wind, even more wind and now, as we head into the weekend, predictions that temps will be in the 70s. When I pulled the boat out at Carter’s Bridge on the Yellowstone just a few days ago, the thermometer in the truck read 34. Crazy.

Needless to say, the beauty of spring fishing lies in the simple fact that almost regardless of the weather there is good fishing to be had. Sure, there are certain conditions (clouds, clouds, clouds) we crave in the hope of producing good hatches and surface action but it’s hard to complain if the sun comes out and we have to fish a bit deeper. This week has been different than last, less snow and fewer clouds, more splitshot, less fly floatant and even a bit of sunscreen. No complaints either way.