Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing Forecast
June 25 – July 2

Fly fishing is a balance of art and science that requires both patience and persistence. Accept that not every cast will succeed. Ask why, adapt, and learn from each failed attempt. Every cast is an experiment.

Silver Creek

Now that the cold front is behind us, the Creek should fall into its typical summer form. This means you can expect to see Prairie Caddis and Baetis in the mornings mixed with a few PMDs and Callibaetis throughout the mid morning. When the winds pick up, try beetles, ants, baby hoppers, streamers, or nymphs. All bugs and techniques will have their moment. When the heat returns, damsels will become more and more prevalent. In a few weeks, we will start to see Tricos, and like the other hatches around the valley, they will be early. Keep in mind, the Creek will start seeing more pressure as we head into July, so be sure to treat all with respect.

The Big Wood

At this time last year, the Wood was around 700 CFS. This year, flows have already dropped below 500 CFS. Despite the lower flows, wading is still very pushy and crossing is limited. The lower flows also mean the hatch activity has been accelerated. Green Drakes have been spotted mid valley and should continue to move up river this week. You may also see Golden Stones, caddis, and PMDs depending on where you are on the river. While the dry fly fishing has been fantastic, nymphs and streamers have also been taking fish.

Big Lost below Mackay

At just over 400 CFS, strong waders can make their way around the river; however, fishing access is limited and wading difficult. You will find a nice mix of bugs from a variety of stoneflies, PMDs, Baetis, and caddis. A dry dropper rig is perfect and Euro nymphing is deadly.

Upper Big Lost

The East Fork above Wildhorse, the North Fork, and the West Fork are fishing well. Like the Wood wading is difficult, but it is doable especially if you have a wading partner. You will find an assortment of bugs here from Green Drakes to stones. With the recent late June snow, the mountains and flowers are spectacular.

Salmon

The river is in decent shape for boaters, though still pushy. There are wading options as well for those who want to hole hop with a vehicle. There has been a nice mix of large stoneflies and caddis during the pleasant time of day. Keep in mind, the Chinook season is open so you can expect concentrations of anglers at the typical pullouts and buckets.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows are ideal for drift boat anglers; however, wade fishing is limited. These wily trout see a lot of large foam patterns and can be picky. But anglers who are willing to try smaller flies and get out of the boat and work the riffles and seams are most successful. The Salmon fly hatch is sputtering to a start and, in the evenings, caddis can be prolific.

Stillwater

Mackay, Little Wood, and Magic reservoir are all fishing well. You can fish from the bank, a tube, or a boat. Multiple methods work this time of year from pulling leeches or suspending buzzers. If floating, be aware that the afternoon winds are particularly strong this time of year so please exercise common sense.

Silver Creek: Caddies | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Callibaetis | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers

Big Lost: Caddis | PMDs | Golden Stoneflies | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers 

South Fork of the Boise: Salmon Flies | Caddis | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs