“I make the first casts to the tail end, less in anticipation of raising a fish than in raising the pleasure of anticipation.”
– Ted Leeson
As we move into August, a good strategy for angling success is to fish near to far, shallow to deep. Be stealthy. Fish more like a heron, less like a water buffalo. Expect a fish to strike every cast. Focus on the process, not the result…make each cast a question. Like each cast is the first cast. To angle is to perpetuate the state of anticipation.
Silver Creek
The morning Trico hatch should continue to build over the next few weeks. The day begins with a few Callibaetis spinners and Trico Duns on the water. As the morning progresses, Baetis spinners make an appearance followed by a brief Trico spinner fall. If the fish pod, more than likely they are eating more Tricos than Baetis. Once the morning activity subsides, Blue Damsels as well as Callibaetis Duns and Spinners may appear. Of course, beetles and ants can be good midday. With the onset of the Trico hatch, angler pressure increases, especially in the Preserve; please use common sense and courtesy when fishing around other anglers. Also, water temperatures are high, so please keep the fish wet and release them immediately. 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 looks perfect right now and new water continues to open as flows drop. Still, fish numbers are down, so success depends upon persistence. Those willing to find water that has not been pressured are finding decent fishing. The hatches remain strong during the most pleasant time of day, but once the heat settles in the bugs disappear. Look for pale morning duns, blue winged olives, golden stones, crane flies, caddis, and tricos depending on where you fish.
The Upper Lost
The West, North, and East Fork are still fishing well and very wadable. The main stem is still a tad high but ready to explore. As always, the anglers who are most successful cover a lot of ground.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are lingering around 450 CFS. Watch for the flows to come down to around 350 CFS for optimal fishing and wading conditions.
Salmon
We are in prime floating season on the Salmon. There are decent walk and wade opportunities all along the river from above Stanley down to Clayton. If you go, take an assortment of orange and yellow Stimulators in size 12 and 14 and any other high visibility attractor dry.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows remain at 1200 CFS. Drifting is still your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. Expect a few straggling Salmon flies as well as Pink Alberts. Cicadas are a good choice as well. In the evening, caddis take the stage.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek Pond and Gaver’s Lagoon 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 | 96.6 cfs |
| Big Wood | 273 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 443 cfs |
| Salmon | 820 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1200 cfs |
