“A river is only itself. If forced, the water will mirror the likeness of an ego; on its own, it reflects only sky and clouds, and readily rewards those who approach it with humility and wonder.”
– Ted Leeson
This is a good week to add your reflection to the river.
Silver Creek
While the fishing on the Creek is still tough, the morning hatch activity has improved. The Trico and Baetis spinner falls have been fairly consistent and begin shortly after 8 AM depending on the air temp. The fish are selective and very small spinner patterns in 22 and 24 are best. Also, slight tippets like 6.5 and 7X combined with a downstream presentation are a must. Before the bugs come down, fishing a Callibaetis spinner or a female Trico Dun can be effective. Once the hatch is done, look for the damsels to take center stage. The Creek can slow down during the heat of the day and as the water warms to the high 60s. 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
Many anglers and guides are reporting that the Wood has been slow depending on which stretch you select. It seems that the overall fish numbers are low. Flows are coming down quickly, opening up more options for fishing and helping to alleviate the pressure from the easy access points. Still, wading the middle and lower reaches of the river is pushy but crossing in select areas is possible. The Wood north of town is perfect for wading, but is receiving a bulk of the fishing pressure. The Green Drakes seem to have run their course for the season and it is time to downsize your flies.
The Upper Lost
Anglers should be able to spread out now that the North Fork and Main Stem are becoming more fishable. Tactically speaking, search the water using a dry dropper rig. When you do find fish, but get refusals, quickly switch to a smaller fly in size 14 or 16. Your best approach is to cover as much water as possible.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are down to around 450 CFS. Watch for the flows to come down to around 350 CFS for optimal fishing and wading conditions.
Salmon
The Salmon river is steadily dropping and remaining cold. It is also seeing fishing pressure like it has never seen before, and the fish are feeling the stress. Please handle fish properly and be courteous when wading, at boat ramps, and during floats. Dry fly (some Green Drakes and Golden Stones) activity remains good until the heat of the day then the nymph game takes over. As per usual foam dries and larger stone fly droppers work great.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows are finally up to around 1200 CFS any time. This is an optimal drift boat flow. You should see some Pink Alberts during the day and a blizzard of caddisflies in the evening. Try a Cicada with a beaded dropper trailing behind.
Local Ponds
It is a good time to take the family to Lake Creek Pond north of town or Gaver’s Lagoon down near Picabo. Both have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season. Unfortunately, Penny Lake up Warm Springs has an algae bloom and is difficult to fish.
Big Wood: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Silver Creek: Tricos | Callibaetis | PMDs | Baetis | Damsels | Crane Flies | Green Drakes | Bullet French Nymph | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pine Squirrel Leech
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite
Big Lost Flies: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Deep Cleaner | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Legs
| Silver Creek | 100 cfs |
| Big Wood | 362 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 443 cfs |
| Salmon | 1080 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1220 cfs |
