Small Streams, September 26th, 2023

So many of our small streams are overlooked because of being adjacent to icon water. Lower Rainey Creek is a good example because of the nearby South Fork. Access is along US Highway 26 at the lower part of Swan Valley. Two pull-outs overlooking the creek provide easy access after walking down a short slope. When these pull-out are not occupied by a parked vehicle, it is time to stop to observe any rising fish in the creek below. If this is the case, descend the slope downward with much stealth to not disturb rising trout. This part of the creek hosts a large portion of cool, clear water coming from private property springs above. Trout, mostly cutthroat, move in from the river to these quality conditions. The same mayfly species, currently BWOs, mahogany duns, diminishing pink alberts are here as well as terrestrial insects.