Trout are among those creatures who are one hell of a lot prettier than they need to be. They can get you to wondering about the hidden workings of reality.” ― John Gierach
Last week, Joe Humphreys reminded us to “look up” and take in the natural beauty of the place we live in. Remember also to “look down” and take in the miracle that is a trout. It is too easy to get caught up in size and numbers. The trout are going to see a lot of action this week, so treat this wonder of nature with respect and reverence. And always keep them wet.
Silver Creek
A small number of Tricos have been spotted, but not enough to get fish into pods. Now that summer has arrived, this bug should pick up steam over the next few weeks. The main morning bug is still the very small Baetis. This hatch can happen any time between 9 AM and 10 AM. The Creek tends to slow down before Callibaetis Spinners and Blue Damsel take the stage in the slower portions of the Creek. Of course, beetles and ants are good flies to try during the heat of the day or if the wind blows. Late in the evening, after the sun has left the water, expect a very brief explosion of insect activity and feeding fish. Caddis is the main insect during this phase. Often all you need is a fly that matches the right profile and you will get takes.
The Big Wood
Please beware, the Wood is still very high and wade fishing should be done with caution. The river is not ready to cross, so wading is limited and those areas around bridges and access points will get a lot of pressure over the next week. Still there are some good fishing opportunities. Green Drakes can be found throughout the catch and release water on the Wood and all the way south. Before and after the Drakes hatch, or if you just don’t see any bugs, try searching the shallows with a dry dropper rig; a large Parachute Hare’s Ear with a Pheasant Tail nymph is a good combo. Also, a double nymph rig with a Rubber Legged Stone and a Green Drake nymph works well. Small beaded tungsten nymphs are also taking fish.
Warm Springs and Trail Creek
Both these tributaries can be good and typically they become wadable before the Wood. At the moment they are both high, but decent fishing can be found if you are willing to move around a bit. Use the same flies and tactics as the Wood.
Salmon River
This river is starting to hit it prime for floating; however, it is still very high for walk and wade fishing. If your idea of a good time is drifting down a river, casting large Stone imitations to the bank, then give us a call and we will take care of you.
South Fork of the Boise
This is the week we should see Salmon Flies reach the upper portions of the stream. The flows are now at 1750 CFS, perfect for drift boats and rubber rafts. Try big Stonefly patterns as well as Cicadas and Mormon Crickets fished on the banks with structure and cover. If dries are slow, try fishing the riffles and runs with Rubber Legged Stones and other traditional stonefly patterns, as well as San Juan Worms, Caddis Larva, beaded PTs and Zebra Midge.
Upper Lost Drainage
Still too high to fish for a full day outing, but the water is clear; an adventurous angler may find a slow spot to catch a fish or two. This drainage is going to be slow to drop but should get fishable at about the same rate as the Wood. Be patient!
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows below the damn are matching the inflow at 759 CFS. Hopefully, in late July or August, the flows will return to fishable levels under 350 CFS.
Local Ponds
It is time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season. Whatever style of fishing you want to do, we are your headquarters. So drop on by before you take your family fishing and we will make sure you have the right gear to be successful.
South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Iron Lotus | SRS Bullet French Nymph | Duracell Jig 12-18 | Jake’s Perdigon 14-18 | Tungsten Nemec Stone | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Stone Daddy 8 | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | King Prince
Stillwater Flies: Seal Buggars | Balanced Leeches | Bouface Leech | Snowcone Chironomids | Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms
Silver Creek: Green Drakes | PMD | Callibaetis | Baetis | Griffiths Gnats | Parachute Midge | Iron Lotus | SRS Bullet French Nymph | Jake’s Perdigon 14-18 | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Big Lost, Big Wood and Tributaries: Golden Stone | Pats Rubber Legs | Green Drake Nymphs | Buggers | Chubby Chernobyl’s | SRS | Bullet French Nymph | Jake’s Perdigon | King Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms
| Silver Creek Big Wood The Big Lost South Fork of the Boise Salmon River |
144 cfs 1360 cfs 819 cfs 1750 cfs 2690 cfs |
