“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
– Anne Lamont
The Creek is clear, the surface reflecting sky and golden mountains. The angler’s eyes search for an anomaly on the canvas. Fish rise in the imagination and a dimple confirms it is real. The cord that binds slips from the wall and the angler’s mind is only in the moment. It is easy to unplug when immersed in a day of fishing.
Silver Creek
The Creek in June is all over the map; one day you will see a great hatch and the next nothing. The consistent fishing has been on the warm days with PMDs, Callibaetis, and Baetis hatching in the afternoon. You might even find some Green Drakes hatching on the upper Preserve, and when these bugs are around the fish tend to key on them. On blustery days nymphing, streamers, or terrestrials are all good options. Remember, when fishing the Preserve, the visitor center remains closed. Look for posted information at each access allowing you to sign in via your phone with a QR code or by texting “Visitor” to (833) 593-0682.
The Big Wood
As expected, the rain from last week bumped the flows up a bit, but they should stabilize and then continue to drop. This week the flows should go below 400 CFS; this is still high for easy wading and crossing should be done with careful planning and a partner. This is the week we have been expecting to see the Green Drake hatch get rolling and bugs have been seen on the river around Bellevue and Hailey. The last time we had flows like this, there was a spectacular Green Drake hatch and we are expecting the same this year. Remember, this hatch typically starts on the lower river and progressively moves north over the next couple weeks. So be sure to drop by the shop and stock up on your Green Drake patterns. If you don’t see any surface activity, nymphs fished Euro style or dangling off an indicator are your best bet.
Warm Springs
This is a perfect small stream with easy wading. You will find the same bugs here that you find on the Wood. There are stocked fish around the bridges and campgrounds and plenty of wild fish in between.
The Big Lost Upper
Trail Creek Pass is open, but the Upper Lost is still a tad on the high side. You can find a few spots to fish, but they are limited. Still, the wildflowers are incredible, so this would make a nice spot to have a picnic and wet a line.
The Big Lost Lower
The flows have come down to 350 CFS, but they may bounce back up. Be sure to check the flows if you go. The nymphing has been good all day and in the afternoon there are plenty of bugs including PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Baetis, and some Golden Stones.
The Salmon
The flows are down here as well and perfect for floating. Salmon flies and Golden Stones have been seen up and down the river. As the weather warms this will be a spectacular place to spend the day searching for large cutthroat.
Southfork of the Boise
At 1200 CFS, the South Fork is perfect for floating with some limited wading opportunities around the islands. The Salmon flies have yet to make their annual appearance, but Mormon crickets are hopping around, so the fish are keying on big bugs. While drifting, focus your attention on the banks with large foam flies and droppers or fish the riffles with nymph rigs. The evening caddis hatch remains productive as well.
Local Ponds
Gaver’s Lagoon, Penny, and Lake Creek ponds have been stocked and make a great location for a family picnic.
Stillwater Options
If you are looking for a quiet alternative, try one of our local reservoirs. Magic, Mackay, and the Little Wood reservoirs can be fished either from shore or from a float tube; however, please be aware that strong afternoon winds can make boating/ tubing unsafe. 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. Also, suspending a series of nymphs at the right depth can also be effective.
Big Wood, Big Lost, and 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 | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | King Prince
Silver Creek: 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
Stillwater Flies: Seal Buggars | Balanced Leeches | Bouface Leech | Snowcone Chironomids | Egg Patterns | Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms
| Silver Creek Big Wood The Big Lost South Fork of the Boise Salmon River |
171 cfs 456 cfs 356 cfs 1200 cfs 3050 cfs |
