Fly Fishing Forecast
June 30 – July 7

“Advancements in equipment and techniques have brought the nymphing game to the next level—thankfully an easier and more effective level. I’m not trying to reinvent nymphing, but I am seeking progress.”

– George Daniel

Silver Creek
Due to low water conditions on the upper Preserve, the best opportunity for fishing is on the lower Preserve and in the Pond. If you go, remember the dissolved oxygen is lower when the temps are high. It is best to take the hot afternoon off and please do not fish late into the evening when oxygen levels are the lowest. As for hatches, there are some Baetis spinners and a few Callibaetis duns and spinners in the morning. Even some damsels are fluttering about. Nymphing, as always, will produce consistent results. 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 crystal clear. Fortunately, the water temps have remained in the mid-50s to mid-60s throughout the day. This is perfect for wet wading. Keep an eye on the water temps as this heat wave has no end in sight. The best fishing is around 11 AM until 2 PM. You may still find a few Geen Drakes, but they should dwindle by the end of the week. Still, fish will at least look at a large, well presented Drake pattern. You will also see PMDs, Golden Stones, Crane Flies, and a few Baetis. On a side note, as a result of the clear and low conditions, the fish are extremely spooky. These conditions demand good casting, precise line handling, and a quick hook set.

Lower Lost
The flows are around 300 CFS. Wading is pushy for most, but strong waders can get around. The reservoir is very low and flows may come down soon. There have been a mixed bag of Golden Stones, PMDs, and Baetis hatching in the morning into the early afternoon.

Upper Lost River
The river is already very low making wading easy, but you will need to cover a lot of water to find fish. The main stem downstream of the North Fork confluence is beginning to take shape and should fish well over the next week. As always, attractor dries will turn fish, but if you get a refusal, downsize or switch to a nymph and try again.

The Salmon
The lights out fishing of early June has come to a close. The trout stuffed themselves on Salmon Flies during early June and have grown leary of foam flies. This is not to say you cannot find a trout, but you will need to downsize your dry fly and be more persistent. The flows remain good for floating, but the upper stretches are getting thin.

Southfork of the Boise
The South Fork is best fished from a drift boat this time of year. The Salmon Flies should make an appearance soon. In the meanwhile, there are caddis in the evening and a few Mormon Crickets.

Local Ponds
The local ponds have been stocked and are ready for a family picnic and some fishing.

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