“I never went to Spring Creek without seeing something new.”
– Nick Lyons
The angle of light changes. Water temperatures slightly drop. The trout note the difference. The change of seasons is more subtle than a date on a calendar. As August wanes, seek solace in the newness of familiar water.
Silver Creek
Anglers on the Creek are finding that the morning activity is starting to slow; however, decent Tricos, Baetis, along with a few Callibaetis, can be found depending on where you choose to fish. Watch for the midday Callibaetis to also pick up over the next week. The late August Callibaetis are much smaller than the early season variety, so be sure to down size to 16 or 18 and have cripple, dun, and spinner patterns to fool wily trout. We should soon see Fall Baetis emergence and simultaneous spinner falls increase as the days get shorter and cooler, especially on cloudy days. Also, hoppers and beetles will turn trout when the wind blows. Remember, while fishing in the Preserve, you are required to sign in. This can be done via your phone with the QR code posted at all access points or by texting “Visitor” to (833) 593-0682.
Big Wood
The Wood continues to produce good numbers of small fish and a few decent trout can be found by persistent and skilled anglers. Tricos are still hatching in certain stretches of the lower and middle river along with Baetis, caddis, PMDs, and small crane flies. Look for fish feeding on these small bugs in the slow, shallow tailouts or along the edges of buckets. If bugs are not present, hoppers and ants can really save the day. Trailing a small size 16 or 18 nymph can also be effective.
The Upper Lost
Fishing on the main stem of the Upper Lost, below the North Fork confluence, is a really good option right now and less than an hour drive from town. The fishing is best from the middle of the day into the afternoon. Don’t expect to see too many bugs; standard patterns tend to work very well here. These fish are opportunistic feeders and will usually go for an attractor dry fly, but they may only give you one shot.
The Lost Below Mackay
Flows are down to 167 CFS, which makes for easy wade fishing. In the morning, anglers may find fish feeding on the surface on the abundant Tricos, some Baetis, and a smattering of crane flies. As the Tricos fade, the Baetis remain and should keep the fish looking up well into midday. When the morning hatch is done, the fishing can really slow down, but searching the riffles and deep water with nymphs can be productive.
Salmon
The fishing is still very good whether from a drift boat or hole hopping from your vehicle. As you travel the length of this river, there are plenty of pull offs to park your car. For flies, take Large attractors and plenty of hoppers. Also, Spruce Moths are still present and can provide excellent dry fly fishing.
South Fork of the Boise
As of the writing of this report, flows are starting to drop. It appears that the flows are going to drop below 600 CFS which is too low for floating. However, between 300 and 600 CFS is perfect for wade fishing. Once the flows stabilize, the fishing will be excellent. Expect Pink Alberts midday and a variety of caddis both early and late. Hoppers are also a good option.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek Pond, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Big Wood: Tricos | Rusty Spinner | Chubby Chernobyl | Hopper Patterns | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Silver Creek: Tricos | Callibaetis | Baetis | Damsels | Hopper Patterns | Bullet French Nymph | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pine Squirrel Leech
Salmon: Hopper Patterns | Chubby Chernobyl | Spruce Moth | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite
Big Lost Flies: Tricos | Baetis | Crane Flies | Chubby Chernobyl | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
South Fork of the Boise: Caddis | Pink Alberts | Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Deep Cleaner | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs
| Silver Creek | 83 cfs |
| Big Wood | 185 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 167 cfs |
| Salmon | 532 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 575 cfs |
