“Now is no time to think of what you don’t have. Think of what you can do with what you have.”
– Ernest Hemingway
The conditions are changing and what worked last week is no longer working. As the water drops, temperatures rise, and one hatch fades into another, now is the time to adapt your approach.
Silver Creek
In the mornings you may find a swarm of prairie caddis mixed with a smattering of Baetis. A few Tricos may be in the air as well, and moving forward, you should always have some Tricos in your box. Midday gives way to a few Callibaetis and damselflies. More often than not the wind will blow the bugs away; however, terrestrials are a safe bet when it does. The Creek’s hatch activity should improve this week and fall into a typical summer pattern of fishing well early and late.
The Big Wood
There should be a few Green Drakes around for another week, especially on the upper river. Large mayfly patterns will continue to move fish; however, downsizing your fly will bring a more committed take. You will see a nice mix of caddis, PMDs, and crane flies mid morning, but dwindling as the day heats up. We are heading into another busy week, so please be respectful to other anglers. Now that moving about the river has become easier, you should be able to find fresh water to fish. Also, be mindful of water temps and release the trout immediately back to the water.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows seem to be bouncing between 380 and around 400 CFS. At 400 CFS fishing access is limited and wading doable for experienced anglers. If you decide to give it a go, you will find decent Baetis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and golden stones hatching throughout the day.
Upper Big Lost
While the mainstem is still high it is worth poking around as lows drop each day. The East Fork has seen the bulk of the pressure the last few weeks, but it should continue to fish well for anglers willing to cover a ton of water. In the morning you can expect a mix of micro caddis, PMDs, and some Golden Stones. Mid day can slow a bit, and in the evenings the caddis make a return appearance.
Salmon
This river is in great shape for floaters and wade fishermen. There are still a good mix of bugs hatching throughout the day from stones to caddis and the cutthroats tend to prefer dries over nymphs. But if you want action, the stocked trout and the whitefish love beaded nymphs. That said, the local ponds and typical areas along the river have been recently stocked.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are holding at around 1600 CFS. This is a floatable level, and there are some wade fishing opportunities along the road though they are limited. There is a distinct possibility of seeing large stoneflies being consumed by large trout, and caddis and Pink Alberts are also present.
Local Ponds
It is time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Silver Creek: Caddies | Baetis | PMDs | Callibaetis | Terrestrials | Damsels | 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
| Silver Creek | 95 cfs |
| Big Wood | 315 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 411 cfs |
| Salmon | 1010 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1620 cfs |
