“As an angler and a gardener, I cherish each drop of rain that falls.”
– Fennel Hudson
While all can do their part to conserve water, ultimately we look to the sky for relief. Both the angler and the gardener have a reason for hope. Rain is in the forecast.
Silver Creek
Flows and temperatures have been fluctuating; however, there has been no sustained improvement in temperatures and dissolved oxygen. Therefore, the Preserve’s access closure remains in place. Along with water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) is a key factor in the health of Silver Creek’s trout. During the daytime, DO is introduced into the water mostly by aquatic plants photosynthesizing. At night, those same plants will respirate; consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide into the water. On the Creek, although water temperatures may seem ideal early in the morning, this period has some of the lowest DO concentrations. This is just as stressful on the fish as the 70 degree water temperatures which have been occurring later in the day. It is very difficult to predict how long this closure will be in place. In order for the Creek to reopen, we will need a cooler weather pattern for a period of time which will lead towards less stressful conditions for the trout. Let’s hope next week’s cooler weather makes a difference.
Big Wood
The Big Wood has dropped to around 115 cubic feet per second in Hailey. This is very low. Fortunately, the cool evening air temperatures have kept the water temperatures down, especially on the upper river. In general, it remains best to fish early. Once temps get to 67, go seek cooler water. The drought conditions on the Wood have made for technical fishing. Success depends on delicate presentations, line management, and creative bug selection. As for presentations, make your first cast count. The fish seldom give you a second chance. As for line management, keep the slack out of your line or you will miss every strike. Finally, when selecting flies be sure to have a few different styles and sizes of the same bug. Often downsizing to match the small bugs of summer is best. Anglers who make these adjustments will continue to find success. Speaking of bugs, the hatches remain decent during the pleasant time of day. Look for pale morning duns, blue winged olives, golden stones, crane flies, caddis, and tricos depending on where you fish. And as always, land fish quickly, keep them in water while releasing, and keep an eye on water temperatures.
Lower Lost
The flows below Mackay are coming down. At the moment they are at 130 CFS. The reservoir is very low and the flows may drop to minimum flows any day. Tricos are hatching as well as caddis and some baetis in the morning. The best fishing is in the early morning when the temps are in the low 60s. By the early afternoon, the temps can reach into the high 60s or low 70s.
Upper Lost River
The water is extremely low. Since this is some of the coolest water in the region, it has been receiving a lot of fishing pressure. As always, to be successful you will need to cover a lot of water. The fish will usually give you one chance, so make your first cast count.
The Salmon
The Salmon River continues to fish well early despite the low flows. Floating is still possible on the lower reaches, but may require dragging the boat a bit. As for bugs, look for decent hatches of caddis, spruce moths, golden stones, and tricos.
Southfork of the Boise
Flows remain at 1400 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 golden stones, pink alberts, yellow sallies, and hoppers. In the evening, caddis take the stage.
Local Ponds
The local ponds have been stocked and are ready for a family picnic and some fishing.
Big Wood: Alt RKR PMD | Stimulators | EZ Caddis | Bullet French Nymph | Roza Perdigons | Sexy Walts | Quilldigon | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Big Lost: Golden Stones | Apple Green PMD | Baetis Sparkle Duns Harrop | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | Tasmanian Devil | Roza Perdigon | Lite Brite Perdigons | Roza WW Pheasant Tail | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Salmon: 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: Chubby Chernobyl | Caddis | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | Lite Brite Perdigons | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Photo: David Reilly
| Silver Creek | 96.6 cfs |
| Big Wood | 112 cfs |
| The Big Lost | 132 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1060 cfs |
| Salmon River | 578 cfs |
