Synopsis

The holiday season is upon us and it looks like we are entering an extended period of on and off wintery weather. In the short term, expect to see mostly cloudy skies and periods of snowfall. As a result, temperatures should be moderate, leading to more productive fishing and small emergences of Midges throughout our local systems. So bundle up in your winter weather clothing and take advantage of the open streams under our snowy skies.

The Big Wood, The Big Lost, and The South Fork of the Boise Rivers

Our local freestones and tail waters have undergone their transformation from fall to winter fisheries. The coldest days will bring ice flows which can make fly fishing difficult, if not impossible; however, even the coldest mornings usually give way to warmer afternoons as the solar radiation releases our rivers from the frigid grip of winter. During these warmer diurnal periods, the Midge will be the entomological star of the show. Otherwise known as the Snowfly, Midges can vary in size from minute to small (generally size 20-28).

Most often, the surface feeding patterns of winter fish will become present in the afternoons when the river temperatures are the warmest. Back eddies and slow water are often winter hot spots as rainbows will congregate in the deeper pools and runs where they can expend the least amount of energy while acquiring the greatest amount of protein. Fishing from pocket to pocket looking for high concentrations of fish is a productive way to approach the river. It is not uncommon to spend an hour or more in each of the larger holes as the conglomerations of fish can be significant.

Subsurface fishing tends to be the most effective method of trout fishing during the winter months. Many Midge imitations can be effective, such as Brassies in black, copper and red as well as midge pupa patterns in black, grey and red. Nymphing will also result in hookups if using Prince Nymphs, Flashback Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns in red, copper, silver, green and purple in sizes 14-18. Cranefly pupas such as Chamois are also effective along with Philo Betos, Woolly Buggers in green, black and brown and various streamers. Double nymph or nymph/midge pupa combinations in tandem with a strike indicator tend to be the most commonly used tackle selection. Since the trout will be lethargic due to the cold weather, light tippet (6X) is recommended when presenting these tiny insects, even the largest of fish will come to hand fairly quickly albeit on the lightest of line. It is important when playing fish in the depths of winter that great care is given to their release. It is best not to remove them from the water if at all possible and to handle them gently and briefly.

Silver Creek

The Creek will also offer good Midge fishing and due to its lower elevation, generally will offer slightly warmer air and water temperatures. However, if you drive south to fish, do remember that the Silver Creek Preserve is closed until the end of May. Try fishing the section north of Highway 20 where streamers and Woolly Buggers will be the most effective. Wade down the middle of the river, cast to the banks in a quartering-down fashion and strip your big bugs back toward you with short, quick motions as they swing to the center of the stream. Most large trout (rainbows and browns) will be hunkered down near or under the undercut banks and will be enticed to strike with a splashy presentation and the stripping of the fly. Although less subtle than dry fly presentations, streamer fishing in the abovementioned manner can lead to some remarkably aggressive strikes and massive wild fish!

Synopsis

Sun Valley has something to offer every outdoorsman – and now that Bald Mountain is open for skiing you can hit the slopes for some fresh groomers in the morning and then spend the afternoon casting for trout. What a delight! Temperatures over the next week or so are expected to be in the teens at night and in the thirties during the day, offering the determined angler some excellent opportunities to hook fish.

Big Wood River

The Big Wood River (198cfs) should offer decent fishing over the next couple of weeks. Midges will be the most prevalent on sunny days and Baetis will take the forefront on the cloudier days. Griffith’s Gnats, Renegades, Snowfly patterns, even male Trico imitations (size 20-24) will get the job done. Although emergences may offer somewhat limited numbers of insects, fish will look to the surface on warmer afternoons. For subsurface fishing, try Midge Pupae, Brassies, Flashback Pheasant Tails in sizes 18-24 and Cranefly Pupae in size 10-14. Continue covering large stretches of water to increase your odds of hooking up with a fish as you will find fish beginning to congregate in the deeper pools as their winter lethargy kicks in.

Silver Creek

Midges and Baetis will also be the most abundant bug on the Creek, particularly in the afternoon. As always, a long leader (12-15 feet in length) and light tippet (6X), is the best tackle setup for these wily Rainbows and Browns. The downstream presentation gives the angler the best chance at fooling these fish and a slow wading approach increases your odds of presenting flies to unsuspecting trout. The Silver Creek Preserve is closed to fishing, but downstream from Highway 20 to the Picabo Bridge (with access points at Point of Rocks, The Willows (Silver Creek West) and Highway 20) will remain open until the end of February. Try wading down the middle of the Creek in the shallower sections and throw Woolly Buggers or streamers toward both banks. Cast to the left bank, almost onto the grass, and strip your pattern back toward you as it swings to the middle of the river. Take a step or two, change your focus to the right bank and repeat. By “walking the dog” downstream, large fish can be enticed to strike from their undercut lairs.

Big Lost River

The Lost (82 cfs) can fish very well during the winter months. Any of your favorite midge patterns will work on the surface and Blue Winged Olives (sizes 16-20) can also be productive during the warmer hours of the day. Underwater, use Midge Pupae, Brassies in copper and red (size 18-22) as well as mayfly nymphs such as Pheasant Tails or Prince Nymphs (sizes 16-20). Double nymph/pupae arrangements with the aid of a strike indicator can be a winning combination for hooking fish. Trail Creek Road is now closed so you will have to make the journey through Arco, but once you arrive at The Lost you will find a remarkable lack of anglers throughout the winter.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise is flowing at 304cfs and will provide decent fishing with the abovementioned Baetis and Midge imitations. Underneath, in addition to your favorite midge nymphs, try throwing San Juan Worms, streamers, Woolly Buggers and Philo Betos. Fish are likely to congregate closer to the dam and in deeper pockets so you may wish to use splitshot in order to get your double nymph rigs down to the bottom of the river.

Salmon River

The Salmon will continue to fish slowly until the return of the Steelhead in March and April. But, if you are in the area and dying to fish, try large nymphs such as King Princes, Prince Nymphs, Stonefly Nymphs, Caddis Pupae (sizes 10-16) and streamers or Woolly Buggers. Whitefish make up the majority of fish being caught on this beautiful river but monster Bull Trout do lurk in the deeper holes and runs as well as the occasional Rainbow and Cutthroat.

Synopsis

As slack season continues here in the Wood River Valley, large stretches of our local waters remain angler free. The fish, of course, are still very present and stocking up on protein before the true onset of winter. Although fishing can be less than productive, it is also a wonderful time to take in the beauty and serenity of our local ecosystems and to appreciate the chance that on any given day you may be the only fisherman on your river of choice. There is a subtle satisfaction in fishing waters that are free of other anglers even if the level of productivity is lower than many other times of year.

Big Wood River

The Big Wood (229cfs) is flowing at an average level for this time of year and will provide the mobile angler with ample opportunities to hook the wild Rainbows that make this river their home. Nymphing is the most productive technique at the moment as Midges and Baetis make a showing, especially in the afternoon. Covering large stretches of water is the best approach. Dredging runs, holes and pockets with Pheasant Tail nymphs (size 16) trailed by subsurface midge patterns such as Brassies, Midge Pupae and Zebra Midges (size 18-22) is definitely the best tackle set up. It is also possible to catch fish on the surface during the latter portion of the day with Baetis emergers and duns as well as with Snowfly patterns dead drifted downstream.

Anglers continue to find success in the lowest stretches of the Big Wood (above Magic Reservoir). Expect the Browns and Rainbows to hide out under obstructions such as log jams and drop structures as well as in the deepest pockets during daytime hours. Woolly Buggers and egg patterns will be best in the lower stretch of The Wood and you may be able to find some of the last monster fish before they head back to the reservoir for the winter.

Silver Creek

The Silver Creek Preserve will close to fishing at the end of November which means there is just a little time left to enjoy the late fall/early winter serenity of the upper Creek. Above Highway 20, Midges and Baetis will continue to be the most important patterns for the fly fisherman. It is an excellent time to cover large stretches of water and bounce back and forth from the moving water of Silver Creek proper to the slough areas. In the still water, Callibaetis nymphs can be sight fished to moving trout and will produce either on the sink or the strip. It is best to target fish on the move, as this indicates a desire to feed, as opposed to trout that lie sedentary on the bottom. Below Highway 20 (where fishing will remain open until the 28th of February) streamers and Woolly Buggers in olive, black and brown will be the most effective patterns.

Big Lost River

The Lost (86 cfs), like the Big Wood, will offer its best fishing midday to late afternoon and nymph/pupae dropper setups will be the best producers. Prince Nymphs, King Princes, Hares Ears and Pheasant Tails (size 16) trailed by Zebra Midges, Brassies and gray or black Midge Pupae will find their way into the mouths of Rainbows. Or try afternoon dry fly fishing with Midges and Baetis drifted drag-free on the surface. Take caution when traveling over The Pass, make sure to check the local weather report daily and opt for the longer route through Arco if you feel unsure.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise is flowing at its late season norm of about 300 cfs. With rapidly changing weather, inconsistency will be the name of the game on this tail water. Baetis often make afternoon appearances here although days can go by without a significant Baetis emergence. Fortunately, the trophy trout of this river are still susceptible to Woolly Buggers and streamers fished in a quartering down fashion in the deeper runs and boulder strewn sections. As with other river systems, cover as much water as possible and use the abovementioned Baetis/Midge dropper set ups to maximize catch rates.

Salmon River

Recently, The Salmon has decreased in productivity with the onset of the colder temperatures. Double nymph tackle such as Prince Nymphs, King Princes, Stonefly Nymphs and Caddis Pupae (sizes 10-14) are the best bet to entice trout and whitefish to take, especially downstream closer to Challis. Streamers and Woolly Buggers can also create success with the carnivorous Bull Trout lurking in the depths. Although the drive is simply unrivaled in mountainous beauty, take caution on the river road as the snow and ice begin to cover this thoroughfare from now through spring.

Synopsis

It is remarkable how long the deciduous trees held their verdant color this year, but in the past few days the green summer foliage has finally been replaced with golden yellows. Now that it not only feels like autumn, but looks like it too, the local fishing will undoubtedly become less productive for anglers. The good news is that there are still some excellent fishing opportunities on our local waters as November slowly approaches

Big Wood River

The Big Wood (294cfs) is fishing relatively well, especially on warmer days and overcast afternoons. The star of the show is the fall Baetis. This little olive mayfly (size 18-22) can be present in good numbers during warmer periods, during overcast afternoons and after the passing of a storm. Silver Creek Outfitters offers numerous patterns to match this hatch, including adult and nymph stages. In addition to the Baetis, there will be significant numbers of midges which are a certain indicator of the oncoming winter season. Fish will be hanging out in smooth water as well as on the edges of currents in the back eddies. If the fish are not rising, try double nymph setups. Patterns that will be productive are Zebra Midges, Brassies (size 18-22) and Pheasant Tails (size 16-20). It is still possible to bring fish to the surface with large attractor patterns like Parachute Adams, H and L Variants, Purple Hazes and Royal Trudes (sizes 12-18).

Silver Creek

The Creek is fishing well as anglers move toward subsurface fishing techniques in lieu of surface patterns. The Baetis fishing can still be quite good, as windows will open for the persistent fisherman. It is a good time to be observant as fish may change their feeding selection randomly and often. Mahogany Duns will continue to remain in the system, perhaps even into November. Generally speaking, it is a Baetis and Midge event on our spring creek. Subsurface is where most of the action is happening as Brown Trout continue to spawn on the gravel beds and give the angler a great opportunity for “wall hangers” especially if using Woolly Buggers in black, brown and olive. Egg patterns, as well as nymphing, will also be productive. As always, make your approach to these trout quietly and use 12-15 foot leaders when dry fly fishing or nymphing. Shorter, thicker leaders will suffice for Woolly Bugger fishing, but take your time in approaching these larger fish – there is a reason they have grown to a healthy old age.

Big Lost River

Right now, The Big Lost (75cfs) is a real hot spot for trout fishing. Baetis are present in excellent numbers from the late morning hours through the late afternoon. Anglers will notice that these mayflies arrive in waves, sometimes in very prolific numbers. In between the rushes of bugs, try Brassies and Zebra Midges underwater in sizes 18-22. The top water fishing can be very good and 5X is definitely the tippet of choice. Because the water level is at its lowest of the year, fly fishermen will want to approach feeding fish cautiously and use leaders in the 10 – 12 foot range. Don’t overlook the shallow gravel bars where Rainbows will be sipping off the surface or feeding just below it. Dredging deep holes with the aforementioned double dropper setup will also produce. Warmer days tend to be more productive but don’t hesitate to make the drive over the hill even on a cloudy day as overcast skies often contribute to significant Baetis emergences.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise (304cfs) continues to offer good Baetis and nymph fishing. It is still possible to find the occasional Pale Morning Dun in size 18 on sunnier days but generally speaking, Baetis will be the most significant insect. The low water level allows for some very good access for walk and wade fishing and covering a lot of water will prove most effective. As always, streamer fishing provides the opportunity to hook some behemoth Rainbows and Bull Trout. Nymphing is best with Midge Pupae imitations (size 18-22) and brown mayfly nymphs in sizes of 16-18.

Salmon River

As many fall fishermen head north for the steelhead fishing, the Salmon River continues to offer superb Whitefish and trout fishing. Large nymphs will result in the highest catch rates as fish store up on food sources before the oncoming cold winter. Prince Nymphs, King Princes, Copper Johns and Caddis Pupae (sizes 12-14) will do the job, especially when fished in the deeper pockets and holes. Large streamers in white and gray with flashabou will entice Bull Trout to strike, some of which could be massive!

Synopsis

With 18 inches of snow resting beautifully on top of Baldy, the panorama of the valley is breathtaking. Although this October has been chilly it appears that the upcoming week will offer some excellent windows for the fly fisherman. With temperature highs projected to reach the 60s, we should see an eruption of Baetis on most of our local waters. Midges will also come into play, giving anglers another strategy for connecting with a trout. Entomologically, afternoons are the most active time of day, but on the warmer days don’t be surprised to find fish on the surface before noon.

Big Wood River

The Big Wood (229cfs), at the moment, is a little bit hit or miss. With the forecast calling for mostly sunny skies and a rise in daily temperatures, the latter part of the week looks to be the best for dry fly opportunities. The dominant insect on the Big Wood is the Baetis. Look for these small insects (size 18-20) predominantly in the afternoons. Most sipping fish will be present in the eddies and the slack water next to rapids as well as in the calmer, shallow flats. The windows for surface fishing are likely to be short, some days less than an hour, but if the sun warms the system, it is possible to have several hours of productive dry fly action. Midges will also make a showing, often prolifically. When the fish are not coming to the surface, try using Pheasant Tails (size 16), Zebra Midges (size 18-22), Brassies (size 18-22) and Rainbow Warriors (size 18-22) down deep.

Silver Creek

The Creek has had some shining moments over the past week. Baetis are the stars of the system here and fish have been rising to them actively. You can still see a few Mahogany Duns, but Baetis and Midges are the bugs regularly filling the air this time of year. The Brown Trout are actively spawning on gravel beds and Woolly Buggers and egg patterns will result in the majority of hookups. With short days and cooler termperatures, there are only a few more weeks of productive dry-fly fishing left for this year.

Big Lost River

The Lost (154cfs) is fishing exceptionally well. Midges abound from the mornings through the bulk of the day and are accompanied by a proliferation of Baetis. In the mornings on warmer days, look for fish to be actively feeding on the surface as they chase the fall Baetis. As the day progresses, expect to see waves of larger Baetis emerging in the afternoons, sometimes in great numbers. The fish are rising primarily on seams adjacent to faster currents as well as in the slack water of larger eddies. Tippet should be around 5X to 6X with no need to decrease tippet size. In between waves of little olive mayflies, try a Zebra Midge/Brassie double nymph rig in sizes 18-22. Trail Creek Pass is clear so there is no need to drive through Arco…at least for now.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise is flowing at a diminutive 285cfs, allowing the opportunity for excellent walk and wade fishing. Baetis is the primary insect in addition to the ubiquitous Midge. It is still possible to see a few petite Pale Morning Duns (size 18) but if fish are not feeding on top, try the Zebra Midge/Brassie combo and your rod tip should be bent in no time. Just remember to keep in mind, you increase your chances of hooking into a Whitefish using this combo method. Streamers are also an excellent cold weather option, especially when the sky is overcast.

Salmon River

The Salmon continues to fish well but you’ll need an extra layer if you head over Galena Pass. In the case of the Salmon River, bigger is better. Try a double nymph set up consisting of large (size 12) Prince Nymphs, King Prince Nymphs, Copper Johns and Stonefly Nymphs. As another option, subsurface midge imitations like Zebra Midges and Brassies will hook the whitefish, Rainbows, Cutthroats, Cuttbows and Bull Trout.