Gold-ribbed Hares Ear, fished near the surface in a free drift, are recommended. For weighted nymphs fished to bounce along the bottom, try a green latex caddis or golden, brown, and black stonefly nymph imitation. Occasionally, a Bitch Creek nymph fished like a streamer also works well. For real streamers, try a black Matuka. Anglers familiar with Muddler Minnows will find they work well on the Stillwater.
Streamers come in handy both early and late in the fishing season.
For anglers willing to brave the windy and cold early fishing for the spawning rainbow, cast up and a little across, then retrieve with a little tension. One fishing guide thinks this aggravates the trout, which will strike at the streamer sometimes without intending to eat it. The net result of this is many missed strikes, especially for the inexperienced angler. Streamers will also catch fish in August and September, especially in the lower half of the river. But this is also the time to use terrestrials.