“Life is a journey, not a destination.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Don’t wait … now is the time to begin your journey with fly fishing. Start by signing up for one of our Fly Fishing 101 sessions. Every Saturday through mid-August, we will be holding these three-hour hands-on classes. The cost is $95 per person and has a minimum enrollment of 4 and a maximum of 6. Interested? Register online or call the shop at 208-726-5282.
Silver Creek
The weather forecast is calling for temperatures in the 80s up to the mid-90s with no rain in sight. It is vital that you keep an eye on water temps on the Creek and other local streams as flows are at historic low levels. If temps get above 68 degrees, seek cooler water or take the afternoon off. On a side note, if you have not yet learned, take the time to perfect the use of a Ketchum Release tool. These allow you to release trout back to the water quickly without handling them. As for the fishing, the Callibaetis are starting to wane a bit, but are still present in the Pond. There are enough small Baetis as well to keep fish active throughout the morning. Damsels are present and are producing some trout. We may even start to see a few Tricos as all hatches seem to be a bit early this year. As always, drifting a terrestrial or small team of small nymphs remains consistent. During the heat of the day there can be a lull, but there have been decent caddis in the evening. Remember, the Nature Conservancy has improved access and kindly asks that users stay on the designated trails and utilize the access points to prevent habitat degradation. Also, the visitor center is being remodeled and will remain 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.
Big Wood
The Wood is low and warm making wet wading a good call. Still, the water is still pushy, so choose your crossings carefully. You should be able to find Green Drakes up and down the entire system for the remainder of this week. With the warm day time highs the hatch is coming off earlier in the day than normal. There are also good numbers of Golden Stones, PMDs, and Yellow Sallies present depending on where you are on the river. In other words, it is a good time to be a dry fly angler. That said, nymphing with a variety of large and small patterns has been very productive as well.
Lower Lost
The flows continue to hold at around 300 CFS. At this level wade fishing options are limited. The wading will improve once it drops a tad. However, if you go you will find PMDs, Golden Stones, and Yellow Sallies in good numbers in the middle of the day. Nymphing with small tailwater style flies has been most productive.
Upper Lost River
This area is fishing very well from the upper reaches on down to the main stem. The easier wading is above the North Fork confluence as the upper river is already quite low. You will find a variety of bugs hatching throughout the day from PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Golden Stones, to Green Drakes. Try searching with your favorite attractor pattern. If you are getting refusals downsize your pattern and try again. As always the key to the area is staying mobile and finding fresh water that has not been overfished.
The Salmon
The float fishing has been fantastic. If you have never floated this incredibly scenic river, now is a great time to give it a go. Also, more wading options are opening up every day. Seek a pull out somewhere above or below Stanley and give it a go. The large Salmon flies have run their course for the year, but you will still find good Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies fluttering about.
Southfork of the Boise
Flows are just below 1800 CFS. Drifting is your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. The Salmon flies continue to make their way upstream and large foam patterns will turn fish.
Local Ponds
It is time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds are stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Big Wood: Green Drakes | Chubby Chernobyl | Stimulators | Bullet French Nymph | Lite Brite Perdigons | Sexy Walts | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Silver Creek: PMDs | Baetis | Callibaetis | Green Drakes | Brown Drakes | Bullet French Nymph | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pine Squirrel Leech
Big Lost: Green Drakes | Golden Stones | PMDs | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | TG Hide a Bead Baetis | CDC France Fly | Lite Brite Perdigons | Duracell Jig | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Caddis | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | Lite Brite Perdigons | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
| Silver Creek | 81.3 cfs |
| Big Wood | 300 cfs |
| The Big Lost | 316 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1790 cfs |
| Salmon River | 1310 cfs |
