“In a life properly lived, you’re a river.”
–Jim Harrison
During times of drought, even during times of plenty, the river and its inhabitants are resilient. And for those who angle through the best of times, and take a break through the worst, we too are a river.
Silver Creek
Fishing is allowed daily from 9 am until sunset on the Preserve. If you go, please pay attention to the new and improved parking and fishing access points created this May and don’t forget to sign in with your smartphone. Also at each access look for labeled plastic tubes at the trailheads where you can easily dispose of discarded tippet material. Fishing in the Point of Rocks and Willows access points has also been good if you are looking for an alternative to the Preserve. As for fishing, a few tricos remain but the morning action has shifted to baetis and callibaetis. In fact, the midday callibaetis is improving. Also, damsels, hoppers, and ants may turn fish.
Big Wood
The Wood saw a bump in flows from last week’s rain and this week’s day time highs should hold in the 70s. This combination should trigger decent baetis hatches and possibly the last big bug of summer, the Red Quill (Hecuba). Also with the cooler, stable weather, expect the morning activity to slow and the better fishing to shift to the middle of the day, through the afternoon, and into the early evenings. Since the water is clear and low, the fish are spooky, so employ stealth along with light and long leaders. Look for the trout to be holding in the shallow edges along the deeper holding water and in the tailouts when the bugs are out.
Lower Lost
The flows below Mackay remain at around 120 CFS. At these flows, the larger fish are easy to spot and have become weary of anglers. Like the Wood, if you keep a low profile you will catch more fish. Where there are still some tricos out and about, baetis are becoming the main fare. Keep in mind, the flows may drop any day. When this happens the out flow should match the inflow.
Upper Lost River
The fishing is good for anglers willing to cover a ton of water. The morning hatches have slowed with the cooler weather and frigid water, but you may find a few tricos, caddis, and a smattering of other bugs in the afternoon. Hopper patterns are turning fish once the day heats up as well.
The Salmon
This river has been fishing well. There are plenty of whitefish and a few trout to keep your rod bent especially in the afternoon. Some folks are still floating, but hole hopping from access to access is your best option. Caddis or hopper patterns may be all you need. Of course, a beaded dropper will produce as well.
Southfork of the Boise
Wade fishing is best with the flows holding at 705 CFS. Look for caddis, crane flies, Pink Alberts, baetis, and midge.
Local Ponds
The local ponds have been stocked and are ready for a family picnic and some fishing.
Silver Creek Flies: Harrop’s Baetis duns and spinners | Trico duns and spinners | Callibaetis cripples, duns, and spinners | Hoppers | Beetles | Ants | Zebra Midge | Quilldigon
Big Wood flies: Tricos | Baetis | Hoppers | Stimulators | EZ Caddis | Bullet French Nymph | Roza Perdigons | Sexy Walts | Quilldigon | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Big Lost flies: Tricos | Baetis Sparkle Duns Harrop | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | Tasmanian Devil | Roza Perdigon | Lite Brite Perdigons | Roza WW PHeasant Tail | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Salmon River flies: Chubby Chernobyl | EZ Caddis | Spruce Moth | Tasmanian Devil | Roza WW PHeasant Tail | Bishop’s Dynamite | Lite Brite Perdigons | Pat’s Rubber Legs
South Fork of the Boise flies: Chubby Chernobyl | Caddis | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | Lite Brite Perdigons | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
| Silver Creek | 44.0 cfs |
| Big Wood | 110 cfs |
| The Big Lost | 116 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 705 cfs |
| Salmon River | 563 cfs |
