“For me, there’s more to fishing than the display of equipment and discussing nifty theories and knowing the Latin names of the insects our flies imitate— there’s the sudden tug on the line that says you found the answer to a particular angling problem.” ~ Joe Humphreys fromTrout Tactics
Certainly, having the right gear makes a difference. No doubt, understanding the latest theory will add to your toolbox of techniques. Indeed, being able to recognize a certain bug can be satisfying. But, angling is about seeking out problems and asking the right questions… this is what separates a merely well-equipped angler from a successful one. Come on down to the shop and we can help you answer your particular angling problem.
Silver Creek
The Creek remains your best option while the other rivers around the state remain high. During the day, Baetis, PMD’s, and Callibaetis have been hatching in spurts depending on your location. We are still waiting for the hatches to become more consistent and as we move towards the longest days of the year, this should be the case. In the evenings, the Brown Drakes are starting to dwindle, as will the evening crowds. Still, a lucky few will potentially find one last spinner fall and emergence as the week progresses. But once the Drakes are gone, caddis and PMDs will be the dominate evening bugs. As always, streamers and nymphs will take fish. And ants and beetles are a good option when covering likely water. On the warmer days, a few early damsels have taken to the air and can be very effective.
The Big Wood
The Wood is back up again to over 2000 CFS; hopefully, this will be the final spike in flows and it will begin descending to the fishable flows of summer as we move into July. 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 appear to be dropping to more manageable levels for drift boat anglers. At the moment, flows are at 2,500 CFS and may go even lower over the next few days. Fishing the side channels with heavy nymphs and streamers remains 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 continue to rise to well over 1000 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.
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
| Silver Creek Big Wood The Big Lost South Fork of the Boise Salmon River |
156 cfs 2420 cfs 1500 cfs 2000 cfs 3310 cfs |
