“The best fisherman I know try not to make the same mistakes over and over again; instead they strive to make new and interesting mistakes and to remember what they learned from them.”
– John Gierach
Silver Creek
Looks like another perfect week with cool mornings and pleasant days. Expect the morning activity to slow and the mid-day through afternoon hatch activity to pickup. There should still be some Callibaetis around in the afternoon, so keep a few pattern options in your box along with terrestrials if the wind picks up. The cooler weather pattern will also bring on the Mahogany Duns along with a bunch of Baetis. You may also find a few October Caddis fluttering around. Keep in mind that the water has cooled down considerably; if you plan on tubing, layer up. Reminder: As of Aug. 24th, the Kilpatrick Bridge and access to the Preserve from the east side will be closed for construction. Construction on the bridge, as well as dredging the Pond, is scheduled to run through January 4th. During this time there will be several different closures in place—float tube access, recreational floating, waterfowl hunting, parking, and hiking. For questions about the bridge replacement, contact Blaine County at (208) 788-5500 or blainecountyid.gov. Direct questions about the dredging project to the Silver Creek Alliance at director@silvercreekalliance.org or (208 ) 720-4525. For questions about access to the Silver Creek Preserve, please contact (208) 788-7910.
The Big Wood
This cooler weather has brought the Red Quills (Hecuba) out. This is the last big mayfly hatch of the year and the trout love them. A size twelve parachute pattern is usually a good match. The cooler days also mean Fall Baetis. When this hatch occurs, the fish tend to move into the tailouts and shallow riffles. While they are feeding voraciously, they are also very spooky and will present a good challenge for anglers. Hoppers and ants also tend to work well for searching the water. Trailing a small, beaded nymph behind a hopper or a Hecuba is very productive.
Big Lost below Mackay
Flows are beginning to drop. Currently, they are around 240 CFS and may continue to go down now that demand for water has diminished. This means the fish will be moving around a bit to find the best holding water. Once the fish and flows settle, the angling will be excellent. The cooler water and air temps also mean the Tricos will slowly fade and be replaced with a steady supply of Baetis and Midge during the most pleasant time of day. With the lower flows, the dry fly action should be fantastic, and on cloudy days expect the Baetis to be prolific. Nymphing will remain productive with small Baetis or midge patterns as well.
Upper Big Lost
The water is very low and the fish are concentrated in and around the best buckets. Focus your attention on the deeper runs and cover the water with Red Quill imitations, caddis, or ant patterns. With the cold mornings, there is no need to get an early start up here.
Salmon River
Morning temps will be chilly, but as the air temps rise and the sun warms the water, the fishing is good. Look for an 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, deep runs.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows have dropped and should stabilize around 300 CFS. Let the boats behind as it is now a wade fishing paradise. With the cool weather, the fall Baetis should be very good. There will also be a few pinks, flavs, and caddis fluttering about. Concentrate your efforts on the soft seams next to the quality holding water.
Local Ponds
Recommended Flies
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Callibaetis 16,18 | Tricos | Damsels | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Tricos | Crane Flies | Baetis 18, 20 | Midge 20-24 | Red Quills | Streamers
Big Wood: Tricos | Caddis | Red Quills | Chubby Chernobyls | Rubber Legged Stones | Streamers
Salmon: Caddis | Spruce Moths | Hoppers | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: Pink Alberts | Baetis | Flavs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 77.9 cfs |
| Big Wood | 118 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 284 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 329 cfs |
| Salmon | 464 cfs |
