“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
– Mark Twain
Let the current tug, the wind tangle, the rejection teach. Surrender to the rhythm of the river. There is always more to learn, imagine, and discover.
Silver Creek
Opening weekend was fantastic! So many friends and fish to get reacquainted with. While the opening day hoopla is over, many Brown Drake fanatics have stuck around Silver Creek West waiting for the hatch to occur. As of the writing of this report, they have not made an appearance yet; however, it could be any day or night this week, so be sure to check your social media. As for other fishing opportunities, look for PMDs with some Baetis during the morning throughout the walk and wade stretches with a decent showing of Callibaetis duns and spinners in the pond as the day warms. Nymphing and streamers have been effective as well.
The Big Wood
Flows will be up and down as air temperatures fluctuate this week. While the fishing is limited, it can be productive. Focus on side channels or soft water and do not attempt to wade. If you are not finding any fish, move on. Streamers and large stones are the best approach.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows have been up and down, but are currently at 1580 CFS. This is a good flow for driftboaters, but wade fishing is limited. The fishing is typically slow until the Salmon fly hatch in mid to late June. Still you will find caddis already hatching in the evening and the nymphing with large stones should be decent. Remember, many fish will still be actively spawning in the side channels.
Big Lost
The river below Mackay is currently at 436 CFS. At these flows the river has limited access. Best to wait until this comes down to around 300 CFS. Trail Creek Pass is open and the upper river will be very high with limited fishing opportunities, much like the Wood.
Salmon River
The river is floatable at 2400 CFS it has been fishing fair with heavy nymph and streamers. The dry fly fishing will be very good in another couple weeks once the stone flies start hatching.
Stillwater
Our local reservoirs should remain fishable for a few more weeks as long as water temps stay in the 60s. Check out Mackay, the Little Wood, or Magic if you are looking for a solitary fishing experience. Pick a day when the winds are at a minimum and try suspending chironomids or pulling leeches on a sinking line.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | PMDs size 14 | Callibaetis 16,14 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: PMDs | Stoneflies | Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
Big Wood: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon:Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: 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 | 110 cfs |
| Big Wood | 1100 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 513 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1570 cfs |
| Salmon | 2570 cfs |
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