Fly Fishing Forecast
August 31 – September 7

Anglers who spend their days by the river bank know we are on the verge of the season’s best angling. The days are getting noticeably shorter, and if you look to the hills there are hints of yellow and red. With the cool morning air, you may want to wear a light jacket; by midday, shed the jacket and consider wet wading. And now that school is in session, the rivers should see less pressure. Still, let’s remember to respect the space of other anglers.

Silver Creek
In the mornings, expect to see a few Tricos, Baetis, and Callibaetis spinners. However, the trico hatch is beginning to wane and the best action should shift to the early afternoons with a good Callibaetis emergence and spinner fall. The Callibaetis are smaller this time of year, so try patterns in size 16 and 18. If the wind blows, and it almost always does, try hoppers, beetles, or ants. 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 fish well from mid-morning into the late afternoon. Tricos can still be found Mid Valley on down to Bellevue. We should start to see the river transition into Fall mode over the next several weeks, which means the Fall Baetis will start to become more of a factor and Hecubas, the last big mayfly of the year, might make their first appearances. Whether fishing with Tricos or Baetis, you will need to use long leaders, light tippet, and a bit of stealth to fool these seasoned trout. Nymphing remains productive and hoppers are turning a few fish as well.

The Upper Lost
The fishing remains solid for a mix of cutthroat, cutbows, and rainbows. However, If the fishing seems slow, try another stretch of river; these fish need time to reset if they were hit the day before. With the low flows, the fish are concentrated around the deeper runs, so be prepared to cover a lot of ground.

The Lost Below Mackay
The flows continue to go up and down. At the moment they are at 220 CFS, although they could continue to come down as irrigation needs diminish or, oddly, go up again. If you go, the morning action has been best with a mix of Tricos and some Baetis. The afternoon can slow dramatically, but nymphing will still produce.

Salmon
Both the upper and lower Salmon are fishing well right now. The dry fly action remains consistent throughout the day with hoppers and Spruce Moths, especially along the wooded sections. You will also see an assortment of mid sized mayfly and caddis fluttering about.

South Fork of the Boise
The flows have dropped to 600 CFS making this perfect for wade fisherman. Look for fish in and around structure, the shallow riffles, as well as in the seams of the deeper runs. Caddis, Baetis, Flavs, and Pinks should be around depending on the day.

Local Ponds
Lake Creek Pond, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the 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