“Seeing the first trout of the year was more than a relief – it was a form of spiritual survival. The trout were still there; something important had continued.”
– Ted Leeson
After months of anticipation, it is reassuring to find the moose, the birds, the bugs, and the trout where they should be.
Silver Creek
Thanks to inclement weather, the opening weekend crowd was light. During the warmest part of the day and between the wind gusts, Callibaetis and a few PMDs took to the air. This next week, the fishing and hatches should improve as the weather turns pleasant again. You can search the upper Preserve, but you will be better off fishing the S-curves or Kilpatrack’s Pond. Traditionally, Brown Drakes hatch during the first or second week of June. The cool, wet spring has delayed this hatch, but stay tuned.
Big Wood
The Wood is high and muddy. We can expect flows to go up again as warmer weather returns. If you see the water start to clear, it might be worth searching a side channel. Rest assured, the Wood should be on schedule to fish well the second half of June into the first week of July, perfect timing for the Green Drake hatch.
The Upper Lost
Trail Creek Pass is open and ready for travel. The Upper Lost follows the same pattern as the Wood. Thanks to the cooler weather and snow above 7,000 feet last weekend, the water may be clear and fishing from the bank may be possible if you search up the East Fork; however, flows will jump up again as the week continues.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows have finally come up to around 500 to 600 CFS and may continue to move. When the flows will stabilize is hard to say, but wading on this river above 350 CFS is very difficult. Best to look elsewhere.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are still at 300 CFS, but could go up any day. At the moment it is ideal for wade fishing.
Local Ponds
It is time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds were stocked for the opener and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Stillwater
When the rivers are high, lakes are a great option. Mackay, Magic, and Duck Valley can all be fished either from the bank, a boat, or a float tube. If you do decide to tube or boat, please be aware that the spring winds have been strong. As for fishing, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown, or olive on an intermediate or type 3 or 5 sinking line. Often spring trout feed on Daphnia, aka freshwater plankton, and a leech is a welcome meal. Also, suspending a series of nymphs or chironomids at the right depth can be effective.
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: Callibaetis | Poxyback Callibaetis | Baetis | Green Drakes | Brown Drakes | Bullet French Nymph | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pine Squirrel Leech
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
Stillwater Flies: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 129 cfs |
| Big Wood | 1070 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 573 cfs |
| Salmon | 5560 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 299 cfs |
