Synopsis
As we roll through September, the weather is offering up some perfect conditions for anglers. This week, we will continue to see more of the same bugs we have started to see this fall: Baetis, Callibaetis, Caddis, Red Quills and Mahogany Duns, as well as more of the terrestrials that frequent the banks. Warmer mid-day temperatures are giving the bugs a good afternoon hatch window making it the most productive time for fishing right now.
Silver Creek
Right now, there are so many different ways to chase fish on Silver Creek. One good option is to get a later start and fish as long as possible up until dusk and even into the evening. Look for sporadic hatches of Baetis and be patient for the spinner fall as your your odds for hooking a fish increase. As the afternoon progresses, try to position yourself in some slack water and fish the Callibaetis dun. Don’t be afraid to skitter your fly in the wind chop for an added effect.
Big Wood River
The Big Wood will be productive in the weeks to come, but not necessarily easy to fish. When beginning early in the day on the Wood, fish with a mayfly attractor pattern (Parachute Adams, Royal Wulff, Grey Wulff) and drop a Beadhead Pheasant Tail off of the back. If you are lucky enough to hit the river during the afternoon, a good searching pattern is a Baetis Comparadun. Once you have gotten in the rhythm of their feeding cycle, a Red Quill with the Baetis dry fly as a trailer, right off the bend of the hook, is a good bet for landing a fish. These 3 techniques are an excellent way to look for, and find the increasingly educated Big Wood trout.
Big Lost River
Most locals know how special it is to make the run all the way to Mackay. Here you will find Baetis throughout the day and the occasional presence of Tricos. Of course, if you would like to partake in some Kokanee fishing, now is the time. Their crimson color will make them easy to spot. Try a San Juan Worm, a red Soft Hackle or an Egg pattern for a successful result on these tasty fish.
Upper Big Lost/Copper Basin
As the month progresses, the Lost will fluctuate on the upper sections. Water flows are at their lowest, but fish are easier to find if you look for the right water. Try the undercut Willow banks and begin your drift at the very top of the run. Try to position yourself at an angle so as to not spook or line the fish with your cast. Continue to use Parachute Adams, Baetis and your favorite terrestrial.
South Fork of the Boise
The Boise is fishing incredibly well, although at its season’s low flow of 300cfs. At this level, wade fishing is worth the drive to get into some of the region’s largest trout. Fish are taking Pink Alberts in the late afternoon with Flavs or Slate Wings in the evenings before dark. Look to fish the riffles and shady spots and carry some Caddis in sizes 12-14. Another good option is to strip streamers for aggressive takes and heart stopping effects.
Salmon River
Fishing continues to be consistent on the Salmon as flows slowly decrease. Mornings are a bit slower but worth the effort with a good dropper off of a Stimulator. Try a King Prince nymph early on and follow it up in the afternoon with a flashy caddis pattern. The resident Cutthroats are still eager and are looking up in the afternoons and evenings. Look for some of the deeper pools that have back-eddies and foam lines for trout noses and cast right to them. Once again, don’t forget your streamer rod for a chance at a Bull Trout!
Simms Guide Short
Patagonia Tropic Comfort Crew
Richardson Chest Fly Box 5 Drawer
Vanquish 8LT Reel
