“Fly fishing teaches us a few things about a few things.”
– Steve Duda
As microcosms for life’s most valuable lessons go, fly fishing is the best way to learn, and relearn, the few things that matter.
Silver Creek
The morning activity has waned and the transition to fall fishing is complete on the Creek. There are still Callibaetis around in the afternoon so keep them in your box for the warmer days along with your hoppers, beetles, and ant patterns. But with this onslaught of cooler weather, Mahogany Duns are going to take center stage along with a plethora of Fall Baetis. You may also find a few October Caddis fluttering around the pond. Keep in mind, that the water has really cooled down; if you plan on tubing, take a lot of layers from head to toe.
Big Wood
This cool, unsettled weather will get the Red Quills going. This is the last big bug hatch of the year and the trout really key on them. Cool-weather also means Baetis. When this hatch comes off, the fish tend to feed with abandon in the tail outs and skinny water. Hoppers and ants are also working very well. Trailing a small-sized nymph behind a hopper or a Hecuba is always a good idea. Streamers that imitate the Big Wood Sculpin will also turn fish.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows traditionally come down to around 300 CFS this time of year; however, they are up a tad to 650 CFS. Either way, leave the drift boats at home and come experience some of the best wade fishing of the year on the South Fork. With the unsettled weather, the fall Baetis have been very good. Concentrate your efforts on the soft seams next to the quality holding water. You are sure to see plenty of fish feeding during the warmest part of the day and may also be able to draw fish up when no bugs are seen.
The Lost Below Mackay
Flows have come down finally and seem to be dropping even more. This means the fish will be moving around a bit to find new holding water. This cooler weather also means the Tricos will slowly dwindle away and be replaced with a steady supply of Baetis and Midge throughout the warmest time of day. If the flows continue to drop, the dry fly action should be more of a factor and on cloudy days expect the Baetis to be prolific. When you do find surface feeders, have plenty of Baetis emergers, duns and spinners in sizes 22 and 24 as well as a few Tricos in the same sizes. The nymphing will remain productive with small Baetis patterns all day.
Upper Big Lost
The change in seasons has been good for the Upper Lost. The cool water has invigorated the trout and they are feeding well. Focus your attention on the deeper runs and cover the water with Red Quill imitations, hoppers, and ant patterns. With the cold mornings and cool water there is no need to get an early start up here.
The Salmon
Stanley can be cold this time of year, especially in the morning. It is not uncommon for temperatures to dip below freezing. But as the air temps rise and the sun warms the water, the fishing can still be quite good. There can be a decent October Caddis hatch this time of year and size 12 or 14 Orange Stimulators match this hatch well. For the best results, focus your attention on the riffles leading into the long runs.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked recently.
Silver Creek: Beatis | Callibeatis | Mahogany Duns | Crane Flies | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | October Caddis | Hoppers
Big Wood: Caddis | Red Quills | Hoppers | Rubber Legged Stones | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Tricos | Craneflies | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers | Red Quills | Beatis
Salmon River: Spruce Moth | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers | October Caddis
South Fork of the Boise: Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers | Pink Alberts | Baetis | Crane Flies
| Silver Creek | 71.2 cfs |
| Big Wood | 169 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 328 cfs |
| Salmon | 818 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 653 cfs |
