“It has always been a happy thought to me that the creek runs on all night, new every minute, whether I wish it or know it or care, as a closed book on a shelf continues to whisper to itself its own inexhaustible tale.”
– Annie Dillard
This would be a good week to take your father fishing to thank him for the times he took you.
Silver Creek
It looks like a more stable weather pattern for the bulk of the week; however, there is still the possibility of thunderstorms this weekend. As we head into the third week of June, the honeymoon phase on the Creek has come to a close. And another Brown Drake hatch has come and gone for the season. That said, keep a few Drake patterns handy, especially if you are fishing the lower Creek as there may be a few bugs about at odd times. At the moment, the Creek remains the best option for anglers looking to fish moving water that is not dangerously high. The hatch activity remains best in the afternoon thanks to a cool weather pattern. Expect Callibaetis and a few Baetis to be the main bugs. When the hatch wanes, try terrestrials; beetles and ants work well especially when the wind picks up. Swinging damsel nymphs or soft hackles down and across will pick up fish and a dry dropper rig is always effective. Be warned, with all the standing water and warm weather, the mosquitoes have been prolific.
Big Wood
Flows are dropping slowly and the water is gray, green north of town and clearing quickly. You may be able to find some soft water to fish, but making a day of fishing on the Wood is still two to three weeks away. On a side note, flows are fairly comparable to what they were last year at this time. Hopefully, we will see flows dip below 1,000 CFS the first week of July just in time for the Green Drake hatch.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows remain extremely high for boaters and wade fishermen at 2,500 CFS. Some boaters will attempt floating at this level; however, it is not recommended. It is best to wait until flows drop to around 1,800 to 1,500, which could be any day now as flows above Anderson have started to drop.
Big Lost
Trail Creek Pass is open, but the flows on the upper river are raging at the moment. The Lost below Mackay is also extremely high. Hopefully, the upper reaches of the Lost will be fishable in early to mid July.
Salmon River
Watch for flows to come down another 1,000 CFS over the next week or two and the river will be ready to float and fish.
Local Ponds
Penny Lake and Gaver’s Lagoon are stocked. If you are looking for a safe spot to have a Father’s day picnic and catch a few fish, give these a try.
Stillwater
Exploring a local reservoir might be a good option if you are looking to spend a day fishing. Magic, Little Wood, and Mackay reservoirs are fishing well for freshly stocked as well as resident trout. You can fish from shore or a float tube with ease, just be aware that strong winds can make boating unsafe.
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
Silver Creek: PMDs | Baetis | Callibeatis | Damsel Nymphs | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pheasant Tails
| Silver Creek | 192 cfs |
| Big Wood | 2510 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 1390 cfs |
| Salmon | 3160 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 2470 cfs |
