“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
Anglers know how to watch, wait, and be still. Patience is taught by both the pursuit of trout and by observing a river transform through the seasons. While waiting for things to settle, come join us for Cast and Connect on June 24th. It is an opportunity to cast the latest fly rods and connect with some of our favorite vendors. You might also consider joining one of our Saturday Fly Fishing 101 classes to learn the basics or get a refresher before hitting the water. And July 22nd, George Daniel will be coming to town to teach a clinic on Euro Nymphing. There are many ways to gain a better understanding of fly fishing.
Silver Creek
The insect activity on the upper Creek remains sporadic thanks to the rollercoaster weather we have been experiencing this June. Some days, callibaetis, mixed with baetis, crane flies, damsels, and caddis will be present in the afternoon depending on your location. In the evenings, mostly caddis and some small PMDs can be found. Persistent and skilled anglers are finding short windows of decent fishing on dries. Nymphing remains the most productive approach with small midge and baetis patterns. As long as most of the rivers in our region continue to experience high flows, you can expect angler pressure to remain heavy, so be kind and share the water respectfully. On a side note, the mosquitoes are prolific this year, so be sure to have some bug spray.
Big Wood
After a spike in flows due to heavy rain, the Wood and its tributaries should continue to drop and clear this week. You might find soft water to fish, but don’t even think about wading just yet. Awesome fishing on the Wood and the Green Drake hatch is just a few weeks away.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows dropped to just under 1900 CFS last week and may continue to drop. This is a floatable level for experts on the oar. The fish will be in the side channels and tight to the banks. Some large stones have been spotted in the lower river, but the cool weather and frigid water has delayed this hatch. Still, fishing large stone nymphs or tossing Salmon flies to the bank are good options.
Big Lost
Flows on the upper river are still too high. Hopefully, the upper reaches of the Lost will be fishable in early to mid-July. On the Lost below Mackay, flows have gone up again as the reservoir is finally full. Like last year, flows here may not get below 500 CFS until late July.
Salmon River
The Salmon is still flowing high, but some expert boaters might consider floating as the Golden Stones are starting to show. Best to wait until lower flows to attempt wade fishing, however. You might also consider the Yankee Fork Dredge Ponds, Kids Creek Pond, Stanley Lake, or Alturas Lake; they have all been recently stocked.
Local Ponds
Penny Lake, Heagle Park Pond, Lake Creek, and Gaver’s Lagoon have all been recently stocked. If you are looking for a safe spot to have a family picnic and catch a few fish, give these a go.
Stillwater
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 and afternoon thunderstorms can make boating unsafe. Pulling flies on a sibling line or suspending a team of flies on a bobber are your best options.
Silver Creek: PMDs | Beatis | Callibeatis | Damsel Nymphs | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails
Big Wood Flies: Streamers | Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone | King Prince | Green Drake Nymphs | Perdigons | San Juan Worm | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Chubby Chernobyl
Salmon Flies: Chubby Chernobyl | Golden Stones | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Prince Nymph
South Fork of the Boise Flies: Chubby Chernobyl | Deep Cleaner Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Perdigons | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone
Stillwater Flies: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Scuds | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 187 cfs |
| Big Wood | 1890 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 1720 cfs |
| Salmon | 2520 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1810 cfs |
