“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
Due to rapid snowmelt this May, runoff has peaked. At the moment, all the tailwaters and freestones remain too high to fish safely, but in a few weeks the rivers will be telling a different story. Dillard is right…a river is an inexhaustible tale, new every minute. And this spring has been a particularly interesting read; the best part of the story is yet to be written.
Silver Creek
The Brown Drake hatch is on! One thing that might dramatically impact the predictability of this hatch is the rollercoaster weather in the forecast. Thanks to sporadic thunderstorms, you can expect spinner falls to occur at odd times throughout the day. If you go insearch of Drakes, be prepared with layers and a raincoat. Also, remember to respect private property and enjoy the camaraderie of the angling community. For those not focusing on Drakes, the fishing has been solid on the Creek since the opener with good numbers of small rainbows and browns coming to the net as well as a smattering of larger fish. At the moment, you can expect to find a hodgepodge of Callibaetis, Baetis, and PMDs, mainly in the afternoon. The bug activity can be sporadic this time of year; however, if you are there at the right time, it can be spectacular. Nevertheless, be prepared to try a variety of techniques to take fish. For example, fishing with small nymphs dead drift or swimming Callibaetis or Damsel nymphs can be effective. Or, try blind fishing beetles or ants along the banks.
Big Wood
The flows are coming down and the water is clearing, but the water is still too high for fishing. You might be able to find a side channel or a back eddy to flip a fly, but be careful around the freshly eroded banks and don’t even think of wading or floating.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows remain extremely high for boaters and wade fishermen. It is best to wait until flows drop to around 1,800 to 1,500 for safe floating and fun fishing.
Big Lost
Trail Creek Pass is open, but the flows on the upper river are way too high to fish at the moment. The Lost below Mackay is also extremely high, but dropping.
Salmon River
This area is also experiencing high water as well. Hopefully, by mid to late June we will see floatable flows and big bugs.
Local Ponds
Penny Lake and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season. If you are looking for spots to take a family picnic and catch a few fish, give these a try.
Stillwater
Besides Silver Creek, getting out on a local reservoir is a great option. Magic, Little Wood, and Mackay reservoirs can fish 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 thunderstorms can make boating unsafe.
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
Silver Creek: PMDs | Baetis | Callibeatis | Damsel Nymphs | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pheasant Tails
| Silver Creek | 163 cfs |
| Big Wood | 2840 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 940 cfs |
| Salmon | 3860 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 4360 cfs |
