“Tough fishing stretches you, provides you with skills and confidence for a thousand lesser moments–and it eggs you on to take great chances. It’s not just courage that’s required, of course, but some knowledge of the kinds of major tactics that can be necessary on a trout stream, and then a perfection of the skills needed to enact them.”
– Nick Lyons
Certainly fishing this June has had its moments; but over all, it has been tough. We were blessed with a wet, cold spring and have much higher water than we have had the last three years. For example, flows on the Big Wood were at 300 CFS this time in 2021. In 2020, the flow was under 500 CFS. This week, flows have just dipped below 1,000 CFS since peaking at 2,000 CFS earlier this month. The reality is that there are probably fewer fish in many of our rivers because of the impact of the drought and cold winter. But now the rivers are dropping, and we will get to see how the trout population has held up under the low water conditions of the last few years.
Silver Creek
The Creek continues to be the most popular fishing destination in the Valley. And thankfully the stable, warm weather has made the hatches somewhat more predictable. That said, the Creek is a tough, technical fishery and you need to bring your “A” game. If you go, expect to see a decent Callibaetis hatch in the middle of the day. You may also see PMDs, Crane Flies, Flying Ants, damsels, and a few Baetis depending on where you choose to fish. On a side note, water temperatures on the Creek are on the rise. Be sure to release fish as quickly as possible. Remember, while fishing in the Preserve, you are required to sign in. This can be done via your phone with the QR code posted at all access points or by texting “Visitor” to (833) 593-0682.
Big Wood
Above Trail Creek, the river is clear and fishing can be done in side channels and along some banks. It is still way too high to attempt crossing. The runoff is starting to subside and the river conditions should continue to improve over the next week. South of Ketchum, the river remains off color, but once Trail Creek and the East Fork clear conditions will improve.
The Upper Lost
The main stem is still too high, but some water is opening up on the East Fork above Wildhorse in the Copper Basin. This is certainly a place to keep your eye on now that it seems the flows are starting to drop.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are down to around 600 CFS and flowing off color. Once the inflow from the Upper Lost clears and drops, conditions will improve rapidly. Watch for the flows to come down to around 350 CFS some time in July.
Salmon
The river is just coming into fishing shape and experts on the oar may consider a float. Wading is doable, but difficult and even dangerous if not done with caution and common sense. Salmon flies have been spotted as well as a few Golden Stones. If you are looking for a place to catch a few trout for dinner, the Yankee Fork Dredge Ponds, Kids Fishing Pond, Cape Horn Lake, Stanley Lake, and Alturas Lake have all been stocked.
South Fork of the Boise
Now that Anderson Reservoir is at 94% of capacity, the flows are going up. Expect it to go up incrementally until it hits around 1200 CFS later this week. This will mess with the fishing for a bit, but once it stabilizes, drift boaters can rejoice!
Local Ponds
With the 4th of July on the horizon, now is a good time to take the family to Lake Creek or Gaver’s Lagoon. Both ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season. Unfortunately, Penny Lake has an algae problem and is best to go elsewhere at this time.
Big Wood: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Silver Creek: Callibaetis | PMDs | Baetis | Damsels | Crane Flies | Green Drakes | Bullet French Nymph | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pine Squirrel Leech
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite
Big Lost Flies: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Juicy Stone | Deep Cleaner | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Legs
| Silver Creek | 105 cfs |
| Big Wood | 1030 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 638 cfs |
| Salmon | 2760 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 462 cfs |
