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.

Synopsis

The powerful winter-like storm system that deposited 18 inches of snow on top of Baldy may be a harbinger of a cold and wet winter, but fear not, fishing opportunities still exist! With our weekly highs projected into the 40′s, it is finally time to start reaching into your wet fly box for nymphs and pupae, rather than relying on your dries. There will be small windows of surface activity with Baetis present, but spotty. Expect the bulk of the trout hooked on the fly to be subsurface, at least until the weather breaks, if it does…

Big Wood River

With the cold weather, the Big Wood (232cfs) has transitioned into winter-like fishing conditions with nymphing as the order of the day. As is always the case in October, midging, especially subsurface with Zebra Midge patterns (size 18-22), will produce in good numbers. A size 16 Pheasant Tail nymph positioned above the Zebra Midge will give anglers the best opportunity for consistent hookups. As the temperature drops, expect many of the fish to begin settling into deeper holes as they become more lethargic. Some trout will still be present in the smooth flats and back-eddies, so it is best to cover a lot of water and use your polarized glasses to help you sight-fish. Baetis may emerge in the afternoons on warmer days, so don’t completely abandon your dries. Large attractor patterns like Trudes, Wulffs, Parachute Adams, and H and L Variants may still convince fish to rise when the sun is high in the sky.

Silver Creek

Although dry fly fishing becomes less productive on our local spring creek as the temperature drops, one can be reassured by the fact that daytime temperatures are usually higher in the South Valley, giving the fall Baetis and the Mahogany Dun a better chance of finding their way into the ecosystem. The other piece of encouragement is that the Browns are entering their spawning phase and tend to act on territorial instincts regardless of insect activity. Woolly Buggers in shades of black, brown and olive in addition to egg patterns can still entice these brutes to hit even if no bugs are flying in the air. When fishing the Browns, look to gravel areas, but keep your distance so as not to spook the fish or disturb their spawning beds.

Big Lost River

The Big Lost (210cfs) can be quite productive this time of year, even with low temperatures and cloudy skies. Blue Winged Olives and a few Tricos will make an appearance during the warmest part of the day. Expect the water to be low and clear, so try your hand at sight-fishing. When fish are not on the surface, try the Pheasant tail/Zebra Midge combo and expect good results. Copper Johns can also be effective on the Lost and will remain so throughout the winter. Trail Creek summit saw a foot of snow over the weekend, resulting in hazardous travel conditions. Without 4-wheel drive, travelers should opt for driving through Arco. Don’t forget to allow 2 hours driving time each way.

Upper Big Lost / Copper Basin

The high-alpine fishing has seen its last days of productivity. Our larger freestones will make for better fishing as the cold temperatures will shut down this fishery almost entirely. Combined with dangerous travel conditions, consider staying closer to home on the Big Wood River or adventuring down to the South Fork of the Boise.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise will remain at about 300cfs and should offer consistent fishing, especially on sunnier days. Fall Baetis will emerge during the heat of the day, although somewhat sporadically. Nymphing is sure to produce and may help to pull out those monster Rainbows and Bull Trout. Large Woolly Buggers and Streamers are also good cold weather options.

Salmon River

If you think its cold in the Wood River Valley, try heading up to the Salmon River where it can be 10-15 degrees colder! The good news is that fish are still aggressively hitting nymph setups as the day warms. Many of the fish you hook between Stanley and Challis will be Whitefish, but don’t be surprised if you encounter Rainbows, Cutthroats, Cuttbows and Bull Trout along the way.