Fly Fishing Tarryall Creek

Overview

Below Tarryall Reservoir, Tarryall Creek winds through red-granite canyon and open meadow country in Park County. Brown and rainbow trout use riffled runs, boulder pockets and deeper pools. The mix of tight canyon seams and flatter glides gives this small stream several kinds of presentation water.

Canyon and Meadow Tactics

In broken water, look for the sheltered seam where fast and slow currents meet. A short cast and controlled drift can cover a pocket without pulling the fly across the main flow. Longer meadow glides call for a low profile and a careful first presentation to a rising fish.

Blue-winged olives provide spring and fall fly choices, with caddis, pale morning duns, yellow sallies and golden stones adding warmer-season options. Midges suit smaller-insect presentations in slower pools. A Parachute Adams or Comparadun can match mayflies, while a Stimulator with a Hare’s Ear dropper searches both surface and subsurface water.

Caddis larvae, Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears offer nymph choices for deeper pockets. A tight-line presentation can help manage separated currents and keep the fly near a chosen lie. Adjust weight and drift length to the depth and current of the selected pool.

Reservoir releases, snowmelt and tributary runoff influence depth and clarity below the reservoir. Study the current and bank structure at the fishing position before repeating a familiar approach.

Access

During a stay at Spruce Grove Campground off County Road 77, use your assigned campsite parking apron and walk to Tarryall Creek beside the campground. The reservation directory identifies creek fishing and campsite parking, but asks day anglers to park outside the campground without identifying a specific day-use lot. See the campground’s visitor information.