Fishing Forecast

“The future ain't what it used to be.” – Yogi Berra While forecasting is an imperfect craft, let’s begin with what we know: This has been the warmest winter on record (NOAA). As a result, the snowpack in Idaho is at historic lows, despite precipitation levels being at or near average. Furthermore, NOAA is predicting a warmer and drier than…

Photo By: David Reiley “Obsessions are the only things that matter.” – Patricia Highsmith While on the water, cracking the code demands presence. Let that focused, almost unreasonable attention be the point. Enjoy the process no matter the end. Silver Creek With the unseasonable warm weather, float tubing in Kilpatrick pond doesn’t sound so crazy. But floating days are numbered;…

Photo By: Alex Long “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” – Anne Bradstreet Anglers know that the time between seasons offers a rare balance. After the frigid days of winter and before the roiling waters of runoff, spring’s prologue can…

Photo By: Alex Long “Always play the hand you have, not the one you wish you had.” – Garry Tan When the hatch wanes, the wind wails, or the current runs swift, the best anglers don’t complain; they simply adjust. Silver Creek The recent storm cycle is delivering a mix of much needed rain and snow to the area around…

Photo By: Alex Long “Many of us would probably be better fishermen if we did not spend so much time watching and waiting for the world to become perfect.” – Norman Maclean Don’t wait for the high pressure to shift, the inversion to lift, the storm to abate, or the wind to hush. No matter the conditions, the river awaits…

Photo By: Alex Long “Only a river gonna make things right.” – Bob Weir Anglers, and trout, depend on cold, clean water and a healthy insect life; those conditions only exist where rivers and their watersheds are protected. We can help our rivers by angling with a conservationist mindset and by supporting local organizations dedicated to saving our rivers for…

Photo By: Alex Long “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche The love of the pursuit makes even the coldest day seem like an invitation to angle. The river doesn’t ask for comfort, only presence. Silver Creek The Nature Conservancy is closed for the season; however, downstream of Kilpatrick Bridge remains open…

Photo By: Alex Long “How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year!” – Thomas Wentworth Higginson Winter teaches the angler in a way no other season can. Patience and persistence are tested when winter’s chill freezes guides and stings fingers. However, the season’s adversities sweeten the reward. Silver Creek The…

Photo By: Alex Long “Life isn't a matter of milestones but moments.” – Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Whether fly fishing or fulfilling holiday obligations, savor the small moments. After all the preparation, it is time to let the holiday hatch happen. Silver Creek he Preserve portion of Silver Creek is closed for the season; however, downstream of Kilpatrick Bridge remains open…

Photo By: Alex Long “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.” – Alexander Pope If you came to the Valley expecting to ski, don’t be disappointed. The fishing is excellent right now. Silver Creek The days are numbered for those wishing to fish the Creek above Kilpatrick Bridge; the Preserve closes to fishing on the…