“Mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
– Ed Viesturs
Angling is a great way to train the brain to mind what matters and ignore the rest.
Silver Creek
Next week looks to be cooler with periods of rain. This is a welcome change as we head into a transition period for the Creek. This may be the last week for Trico action as this hatch will begin to fade as we head into September. As the Tricos wane, the midday Callibaetis should begin to ramp up. At the moment, the morning activity is a mix of Tricos, Baetis, Callibaetis, and depending on your location, you may even find some PMDs. Now that we are late in the summer hatch cycle, you will need to bring your “A” game to fool fish on drys. Be sure to have small, imitative patterns and light tippet matched with perfect drifts. Nymphing or pulling a streamer might be worth trying as well. When the hatch subsides, expect the wind to pick up, especially with the unsettled weather. When this happens, conditions are perfect for hopper and beetle fishing.
Big Wood
The flows are just right for moving up and down the river at any access you choose. That said, be sure to respect other anglers’ space. We are fortunate to have so much river to spread out and fish. Reports suggest that there are plenty of healthy small trout to be found and a handful of larger trout for persistent anglers. And the fishing definitely gets better the more you are willing to walk away from the easy access points. Bugwise, Tricos, caddis, Pinks, spruce moths, and small crane flies can be found throughout the day. When the bugs are gone, try a hopper. Dry dropper rigs with small nymphs are a great way to cover water.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows remain at 1200 CFS. Drifting is still your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. If floating, try hoppers with a nymph trailer along the banks. Expect Pink Alberts during the afternoon and a variety of caddis both early and late. When you find feeders, it is best to park the boat and work the fish.
The Lost Below Mackay
At the moment, flows are at 380 CFS. The river seems to be dropping about 10 CFS a day. The lower flows will make the river more accessible, but the fish will be moving about and settling into different holding water each day. Once it stabilizes, the fishing will improve. There is a decent morning Trico hatch mixed with some Baetis. In the afternoon, the fishing can slow down considerably, but persistent nymph anglers will find fish.
Upper Big Lost
The East Fork above Wildhorse is getting low, but a stealthy angler can find success as long as they are willing to cover a lot of water. The river below Wildhorse and the North Fork confluences is perfect. The cool evenings have pushed the bug activity to the middle of the day. Hoppers are a great option, but will often receive a short strike. And once you move the larger Cutthroat, they seldom give you a second chance. Smaller bugs and a careful presentation are a must for consistent success. You will find the same bugs here as the Wood.
The Salmon
Spruce Moths are fluttering about in the mornings and hoppers are a good option in the afternoon. Floating is best for rubber rafts on the lower river and adventurous anglers can find good walk and wade opportunities up and down the river. Please be aware that there are floating and fishing mitigations in place to protect spawning salmon, so please check with the shop or the SNRA before you go.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have all been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Silver Creek: Tricos | PMDs | Beatis | Callibeatis | Damsels | Crane Flies | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails
Big Wood: Caddis | PMDs | Tricos | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Tricos | PMDs | Yellow Sallies | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon River: Spruce Moth | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 90 cfs |
| Big Wood | 192 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 155 cfs |
| Salmon | 818 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1230 cfs |
