Synopsis

As July nears its end, it is interesting to look back at the fluctuating river conditions local anglers have seen this month. The flows on the Salmon River, the upper Big Lost and the Big Wood during the latter part of June and early July were near record setting. It seemed as if the high water would never subside despite the fact that we had a below average winter snowpack. As predicted by many, once the rivers finally began to lower, they did so quickly. As the levels subsided, our local rivers produced world-class angling; however, this wonderful window of angling is drawing to an end. Fortunately, our local spring creek is becoming very active in the mornings and our alpine streams are starting to be excellent fish producers. Good fishing can be found on all our local waters in the mornings and evenings as the heat of the day drives some of the larger, better educated fish toward their deep water, mid-summertime hangouts.

Silver Creek

The Creek has turned on noticeably in the mornings with Baetis being the main attraction in conjunction with PMDs and the burgeoning Trico spinner falls. Downstream presentations are a must and 6X tippet on 12-15 feet leaders should be the standard tackle selection. Baetis and Tricos (sizes 20-22) will be the best picks for the fly box, but make sure to come equipped with dun, emerger, cripple and spinner patterns. Begin the morning activity throwing dun patterns as the earliest spinners will present as healthy adults until later in the morning when they give up the ghost and drop their wings to the water’s surface. PMDs will be mixed in mid-morning and trout will key in on them briefly during the morning’s madness. Remember, it is important to change patterns often as these wily fish tend to identify imitations quickly making for refusals sometimes after only 2 or 3 presentations. Rotating through a half dozen Trico and occasionally casting a Baetis and PMD will keep the fish guessing, off-guard and on the end of your tippet. In the afternoon when the minute mayflies have subsided, try floating damselflies and Grasshoppers near weed beds and under-cut banks. Callibaetis will also be present in the stillwater sections. Try size 14-16 speckled wing duns as well as size 16 Beadhead Flashback Pheasant Tails sight-nymphed to cruising fish or cast and stripped in the wind chop.

Big Wood River

At the end of last week, the Big Wood had dropped markedly, but the river has actually dropped another 50% in just the past few days! Although afternoon fishing can still be productive with Pink Alberts (size 16), Parachute Adams (size 12-16), Yellow Sallies (size 14), Elk Hair Caddis (size 12-16), Goddard’s Caddis (size 14-16) and PMDs (size 16), look to the mornings and evenings for the most productive fishing. Caddis and PMDs have a strong presence during these lower-light periods and can be dead drifted or skated as the evenings grow dim. Look to begin throwing Grasshoppers as well as they have been spotted recently on our local waterways.

Big Lost River

Although the water level below the dam has been raised again and wading this tailwater has returned to a dangerous level (602 cfs), some anglers have adventured into the spring creek flows above the reservoir, finding some success. PMDs, Baetis and soon, Tricos, will be present on this river although most fishermen are throwing large nymphs such as Princes (size 12-16), Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 12-16) and King Princes (size 12-16). Craneflies skated at a quartering down angle to the current can also bring large ‘Bows to the surface as they chase these sizable but highly mobile meals.

Upper Big Lost

The North, East and West Forks of the Big Lost are fishing very well. Cream Caddis (size14-16) are numerous in the evenings and mornings as are March Browns (size 14). Look for Yellow Sallies (size 14-16) to be the main attraction in the middle of the day in addition to PMDs (size 16). A variety of attractor patterns will work well right now in addition to the grasshoppers which are increasing in number and size with every passing day. Do be aware that some of the Finespot Cutthroats are still spawning in higher elevations and their redds should be avoided.

South Fork of the Boise

Driftboating has been the main attraction on the South Fork of the Boise as its summer flow makes walking and wading difficult. Large foam-bodied patterns are still turning fish although this will begin to diminish as the Salmonflies and Cicadas become distant memories. Choose cream and gray Elk Hair and Goddard’s Caddis (size14-16) in the evenings while throwing Pink Alberts (size 16) in the afternoons.

Salmon River

The Salmon is more temperamental now than the last 2 weeks as the heat of the summer and the lowered riverflow have pushed the best fishing to the mornings and evenings. Caddis are flocking to this freestone in massive numbers as the sun drops in the sky. Elk Hair Caddis in cream and beige (size 14-16) will take fish both dead drifted and skated. Look for continued PMD (size 16) presence in the late morning and significant Yellow Sally numbers (size 14) in the middle of the day through late afternoon. Black/red Flying Ants (size14) have also shown excellent numbers in the mornings while most of the larger Stoneflies have dwindled in population. Caddis, stimulators and grasshoppers can be used to drop large mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs and caddis pupae in front of fish hanging low in the water column as the daytime temperatures rise.

Synopsis

Though all of our local rivers remain slightly above their normal annual stream flow for mid-July, fishing conditions have finally stabilized. The Big Wood is fishing exceptionally well with pronounced dry fly activity throughout the day while the Big Lost has been lowered to a fishable, though still high, water level. Silver Creek is fishing relatively well as we move toward the “Trico Madness” which waits right around the corner. The South Fork of the Boise and the Salmon River offer drift boat opportunities as well as some excellent walk and wade fishing near Stanley. Summer fishing is in full stride and the dry fly fishing couldn’t be more fun!!

Silver Creek

The Creek has been fishing relatively well although slightly less productively than the prior two weeks. Baetis are the most numerous mayfly in the mornings with surges throughout the day. PMDs will still bring fish to the surface but the Browns and Rainbows have become a little more selective due to continued fishing pressure. If you look closely in the mornings, you will likely see a few Tricos mixed in with the other mayflies. These diminutive Tricorithodes will grow in number throughout the rest of July as we head toward the annual Trico spinnerfall which reaches its peak in the first ten days of August. Midday offers Damselflies and terrestrials on the moving water and Callibaetis on the still water. Caddis can be numerous in the evenings and well after dark on both sides of the highway.

Big Wood River

The Wood has been on fire the past ten days and will continue to be for the next two weeks or so. For the time being, there are several patterns working well including the Parachute Adams (size 12-16), Green Drake dun/cripple (size 12), orange, yellow or Royal Stimulators (size 12-16), Quill Gordon (size 14), PMD (size 16) and a variety of Caddis (size 12-16). Middays and afternoons are the most active periods for dry fly fishing but evenings on the Big Wood this time of year can be very exciting as the PMDs and Caddis become prevalent.

Big Lost River

The Big Lost has been lowered to 539 cfs which, though still a high flow for beneath the Mackay Dam, is at a fishable level for intrepid waders. PMDs (ephemerella deceptiva) in size 16 will be numerous on this waterway as well as Baetis (size 20-22). Look for Craneflies and imitate them with a quartering-down presentation while skipping them along the surface of the water. This technique can convince even the largest of Big Lost River trout to voraciously attack your “mosquito eater”. Fished under an indicator, large nymphs such as the Prince, King Prince and Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 12-16) will likely turn the most heads subsurface. Zebra Midges (size 18-22) are also a good option underwater.

Upper Big Lost

The East, North and West Forks of the Big Lost have dropped significantly and have begun to fish well. Use attractor patterns such as Royal Wulffs, Adams Wulffs, Royal Trudes, Gray Drakes, Stimulators and Caddis in sizes 12-16 and enjoy a beautiful day in the high country chasing Rainbows, Cutthroats, Cutbows, Brook Trout and Whitefish. Are the rumors of California Goldens and Grayling true? You better go find out!

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise has been fishing very well. Fish have been rising aggressively to the Salmonfly as well as small gray and cream caddis. Pink Alberts, Baetis and a few PMDs may also be encountered on this tail water. At 1800 cfs, drift boating will be the most successful approach to this river and when all else fails, try large nymphs and streamers subsurface to entice the behemoth Rainbows and Bull Trout that lurk down deep.

Salmon River

The Salmon is fishing very well for both drift boaters and walk and wade fishermen. Although most of the Salmonflies have come and gone, Golden Stones (size 14-16), Gray Drakes (size 12), Orange-bodied Stones (size10-14), and PMDs (size 16) make for some superb dry fly action. In the evening massive clouds of Caddis descend upon the river bringing trout to the surface en masse. Try beige Elk Hair Caddis (size 16) and be ready for some hot and heavy action until darkness falls.

Synopsis

Over the past week, our local rivers have dropped significantly allowing for summer dry fly fishing to hit its stride. Locally, the Big Wood offers a veritable smorgasbord of mayflies, caddis and stoneflies while Silver Creek continues to fish well with Drakes and Callibaetis. The Upper Big Lost is coming on strong as the water levels drop while the Big Lost below Mackay Reservoir is at a more fishable level but still remains challenging for wading. The Salmon River is starting to come on as large stoneflies and an abundance of caddis and mayflies blanket the surface. The South Fork of the Boise is ripe with Salmonflies, caddis, mayflies and cicadas. In sum, dry fly fishing is at its most exciting and will remain so for the next few weeks in the Sun Valley area!

Silver Creek

The Creek continues to fish well with Baetis (size 20-22) and PMDs (size 14-16) leading the charge in the mornings and afternoons. A few Green Drakes still flutter midday while the Blue Damsels (size 12) are prolific when the sun is at its highest. Look for significant Callibaetis emergences on the still water in the middle of the day which can make for exciting sight nymphing and dry fly action on Sullivan’s Slough or the Kilpatrick Pond. During the heat of the day, terrestrials such as Crow Beetles, Chernobyl Ants and Grasshoppers can elicit aggressive strikes near undercut banks. Evening fishing will also be productive on warm and sunny days as caddis and PMDs make for some exciting action.

Big Wood River

With lower levels and clearer water, the Big Wood has started fishing extremely well. Afternoon fishing is the highlight of the day as Green Drakes have become abundant along with with stoneflies such as the large Californicus (size 8-10), Lime Sally (size 16-18), and Yellow Sally (size 16). In addition to Green Drakes (size 10-12), other mayfly patterns such as PMDs (size 16-18), Pink Alberts (size 16) and Parachute Adams (size 10-18) can be thrown to rising trout with good success. Evening angling is also productive as PMDs and Caddis become more abundant.

Big Lost River System

The Upper Big Lost, which includes the West Fork, East Fork and North Fork as well as Wildhorse Creek, is beginning to fish better as the stream flow decreases. Although still higher than optimal, these alpine streams are coming into their own and will begin to be extremely productive over the next week as additional trout migrate back into these high altitude waters. Try attractor patterns such as Adams Wulffs (size 12-14), Royal Wulffs (size 12-14), Trudes and Stimulators (size 12-16) and any number of Caddis imitations. Gray Drakes can be prevalent this time of year in addition to a smattering of stoneflies in every color. This is an exceptional river system for beginner and experienced anglers alike and can make for a perfect “family day” of fly fishing. Just remember to bring your tire iron and jack as the road has recently been graded and will undoubtedly produce its fair share of flat tires.

The Big Lost River proper has been lowered to approximately 600 cfs which makes it possible to fish below the reservoir but wading will be challenging and the water a bit off-color. This is likely to be a consistent summer flow for the Lost as the reservoir remains nearly at capacity. Large nymphs such as Princes and Flashback Pheasant Tails (size 12-16) will turn fish while a Cranefly (size 10) skipped on the surface in a quartering-down presentation may bring large fish to the surface.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork of the Boise will offer very good fishing, but large crowds of anglers. Salmonflies are the main draw this time of year while Pink Alberts (size 16) and gray caddis (size 16) can also be good options. Though fishing to the banks is the most common approach for drift boaters, consider drifting your flies several feet off the bank as trout will have seen many imitations and may have moved out into the river channel to avoid continued disturbance.

Salmon River

The Salmon reached remarkably high runoff levels this year but has finally subsided to a very fishable level and trout have begun to rush the surface in search of Salmonflies, mayflies and caddis. The afternoons offer the most exciting action as the large stoneflies become prevalent around 1pm on the upper river between Stanley and Clayton. Look for PMDs (size 16) and large numbers of Gray Drakes (size 12) as well as other sailwings to appear earlier than the Salmonflies.