Fly Fishing Forecast
June 12 – 19

The Brown Drakes seem to be playing a game of peekaboo. This “now you see us, now you don’t” behavior can be attributed to the fickle spring weather. But with stable temperatures in the forecast, this should be the week for the Drakes! These big mayflies draw big fish to the surface and a big crowd. In fact, the atmosphere river side is a lot like tailgating before a concert while anglers await the simultaneous emergence and spinner fall, typically right at dark; however, both the spinner fall and emergence can happen anytime during the day just to add to the unpredictable nature of this hatch. Remember, the Brown Drakes, ephemera simulans, are truly ephemeral; the hatch only lasts one to two weeks; and as the hatch progresses through the lower reaches of Silver Creek the fish can become very selective. While the feeding can be frenzied, it can be incredibly frustrating if you don’t have the right fly. Come on by the shop and we can help stock your box with all the right patterns to match each stage of this insect’s life. And do not forget…Thursday, June 20th fly fishing icon Joe Humphreys, along with the cast and crew of the documentary film Live The Stream, will be on hand at the Sun Valley Opera House. A meet and greet will begin at 6pm followed by the film at 7pm. Thanks to a generous sponsorship from Patagonia, tickets are NOW ONLY $15. See you there!

Silver Creek
While anglers seeking Brown Drakes dominate the lower river, the upper Creek, including the Nature Conservancy and Kilpatrick Pond, have been fishing very well throughout the day and receiving relatively light fishing pressure. Expect to see Baetis, PMDs, and the occasional Green Drake in the upper river and add a smattering of Callibaetis in the Pond. The shop has a great selection of flies tied by the House of Harrop to match these hatches. Beetles and ants are also effective, especially when no other bugs are around. In June, the hatches can be unpredictable, so be prepared to fish multiple different methods to bring fish to the net. While the fish are not as selective as they will be in July and August, good presentations and long, light leaders are still a must.

Last week’s cold snap dropped the flows on the Wood to around 2000 CFS. As the weather warms and stabilizes, the flows will jump up again, hopefully for the last time before steadily descending to the fishable flows of summer. While fishing side channels is possible, wade fishing is out of the question on the main stem of the Wood for a few more weeks.

South Fork of the Boise
The flows on the South Fork of the Boise remain high at 3,000 CFS. Fishing the side channels with heavy nymphs and streamers is the best option and drift boat fishing should only be done by expert oarsmen. We are still a few weeks away from seeing the Salmon Fly hatch; however, Mormon Crickets and Cicadas are present and make a good meal for a hungry trout.

The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are holding steady at 1000 CFS. 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.

Stillwater Options
Both Magic and the Little Wood reservoirs can be fished from shore or from a float tube; however, please be aware of the spring winds that can make boating/ tubing unsafe. For those looking to get out of town, a great option is the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. Duck Valley is managed by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and has three different reservoirs to pick from: Mountain View, Lake Billy Shaw, and Sheep Creek. For a small fee, you can fish all three and camping facilities are available as well for an additional fee. If you go, please be aware that this is open range country and often the cows are in the middle of the road. As for techniques in all these reservoirs, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown or olive on an intermediate or type 3 or 5 sinking line. Sheep Creek Specials always seem to work in Duck Valley. Also, suspending a series of nymphs or chironomids at the right depth can also be effective.

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  | Egg Patterns | Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms

Silver Creek: Harrop’s Brown Drake Variations | 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