“The best fisherman I know try not to make the same mistakes over and over again; instead they strive to make new and interesting mistakes and to remember what they learned from them.” ~John Gierach
The best fishermen are always learning. And the best way to learn…surround yourself with avid anglers who love to learn and share this wonderful sport. This is why we offer three different classes throughout the summer to meet your learning needs: Fly Fishing 101, Fly Fishing 201, and Free Casting Clinics. These classes offer a variety of experiences from those who might need an introduction to the sport, to those who want some on the water experience, or for those wishing to simply brush up on casting a fly rod. Check with us and we can help you find a class, or a guide, that can help you elevate your game.
Silver Creek
The day time temps continue to fluctuate between the 90s and 70s on the Creek making for unpredictable hatches. However, it won’t be long and we will start seeing the river transition into an early morning fishery with significant amounts of Tricos in the mix. Still we are a couple weeks away from steady spinner falls. At the moment, the morning and midday bugs are a mix of Baetis, Callibaetis with a few PMDs. On hot afternoons, Damsels are a good bet in the Pond. You can expect a breeze in the afternoon, so have a good supply of beetles and ants as well. The fishing has already gotten very technical; you will need to fish “fine and far” to be successful. Long leaders of 12 feet or more down to 6 or 6.5X are a must, as well as precise drag free drifts.
Big Wood and Tributaries
The peak flows on the Wood are around 800 CFS and over the next week we should see this drop another 100 to 200 CFS. Green Drakes have been seen from Bellevue to north of Ketchum. If you can find some slow water you will find fish looking for a meal. First, a word on wading safety: The flows are still too high to cross the river. Always wear a wading belt and never wade without friends or a guide. Stay safe out there as we are only a few weeks away from being able to move around the river comfortably. There is still very good fishing in the side channels at these flows, but with the water dropping the fish will continue to move into water that provides the best protection from predators as well as a steady supply of food. Anywhere you can find soft water along an edge, it is worth searching with a good attractor dry or Green Drake imitation. Dry dropper rigs are also a good bet. For a nymph, try a Beaded Prince, PT, or Green Drake nymph in a size 12-16. Also, it is not too early to try a small Zebra midge in red or black or a Bishop’s Dynamite. Deep nymphing with a Rubber Legged Stone in tandem with a Green Drake Nymph is also very effective. This can be done with an indicator or Euro Style.
Upper Big Lost
The water has dropped and cleared in the upper reaches of the Lost but the fishing is very limited. In another week or two this area should come into its prime.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are still too high, but are starting to drop (875 CFS). It is best to wait until late summer when the flows drop below 350 CFS before fishing here again.
The Salmon
We started floating the Salmon last week and the next month should be excellent with big attractor patterns working the banks. Be sure to book this trip early as we have a limited number of slots per day. One can also hole hop with a vehicle up and down the river and successfully fish along the banks, but be cautious as wading is difficult at these flows. This is a great river to have a shot at catching a rainbow, cutthroat, cutbow, or bull trout along with good numbers of whitefish to keep your rod bent.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are steady at 1790 CFS; a good flow for floating, but challenging for wade fisherman. The Salmon flies are getting started and there have been a slew of cicadas and Mormon Crickets…the big bug fishing is on fire. Also, caddis are very strong in the mornings and evenings. This is a great time to be on this river for big dry enthusiasts. Be sure to have plenty of large foam bugs (Cicadas and Salmon flies) for working the banks and a good selection of Trailing Shuck Caddis and traditional Elk Hair Caddis in brown and olive sizes 18 to 14.
Local Ponds
Gavers Lagoon, Penny, and Lake Creek ponds have been stocked and would make a great location for a family picnic. Come on by the shop for all your family fishing needs!
Stillwaters
Both Magic and Little Wood reservoir are still fishing well and can be accessed either from the bank, a float tube, or a boat. As for techniques, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown or olive on an intermediate or type 3 sinking line. Also, suspending a series of nymphs at the right depth can be effective. Come on by the shop and we can set you up with the right flies and driving directions.
Warm Springs
Warm Springs is fishing very well and is a good option for a few hours of fishing. The flows are just over 100 CFS and wading is relatively easy. Keep in mind that there is a good population of wild fish in this river if you get off the beaten path. These fish need to be handled with care; however, Fish and Game does stock around the bridges and where the river nears the road. Try fishing big dries like Royal Stimulators or Parachute Hare’s Ears in tandem with a large beaded Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, or Green Drake nymphs. Streamers, like Black, Olive, or Brown Woolly Buggers in size 8 or 10 are also very effective this time of year. Of course, double nymph rigs with an indicator will produce. Try a big a Rubber Leg Stone followed by a Green Drake Nymph, a Prince Nymph, a Rainbow Warrior, or Bishop ‘s Dynamite..
Silver Creek Flies: PMDs 16 | Beatis 18 | Callibeatis 16 | Damsel Nymphs | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive 16,18 | Pheasant Tails 16,18
Big Wood, Warm Springs, Big Lost, Salmon River Flies: Green Drakes 12 | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Caddis Larva | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise Flies: Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flash Back Pheasant tails | King Prince | Streamers
Stillwater Flies: Pops Buggers | Standard Olive, Black, and Brown Wooley Buggers | Stayner’s Ducktail | Sheep Creek Special | Bouface Leech | Seal Buggers | Squirrel Leech | Chironomids | Olive Scuds | Perch Imitations
| Silver Creek Big Wood Upper Big Lost The Big Lost Salmon South Fork of the Boise |
105 cfs 774 cfs 898 cfs 875 cfs 2,000 cfs 870 cfs |
