“I think the best teacher is the stream, the best way to learn is again and again.” ~from Trout Tactics by Joe Humphreys
Thursday, June 20th you will have the chance to meet fly fishing icon Joe Humphreys. Joe, along with the cast and crew of the documentary film Live The Stream, will be on hand at the Sun Valley Opera House. A meet and greet will begin at 6pm followed by the film at 7pm. Tickets are $30. The Live The Stream website describes the film as, “an intimate portrayal of Pennsylvania’s fly fishing legend, Joe Humphreys, a man who was born to fish, lives to teach, and strives to pass on a respect for our waters. This beautiful documentary follows fly fishing legend…for over three years both on and off the water as he shares the sport he loves with others.” Do not miss this opportunity!
The Big Wood, Silver Creek and the South Fork of the Boise
These rivers, along with all their tributaries, will open on May 25th. The Big Wood is nearing 2000 CFS for the second time this spring and will be very high come opening day. However, with cooler weather in the forecast, the water may drop and clear up enough that some side channels will be fishable…stay tuned. Silver Creek will fish very well on opening weekend; yet, it is still too early to make any predictions on the Brown Drake hatch on the Creek which typically occurs within the first two weeks of June. The flows on the South Fork of the Boise will be near 4,000 CFS, dangerously high to wade or float.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are up 325 CFS; this is still a fishable level. However, flows will continue to rise as we head into the second half of May. Keep in mind, as the flows exceed 300 CFS, the wading becomes difficult. At the moment, Trail Creek Pass remains closed, so plan on a two-hour drive through Craters of the Moon, to Arco, and up to Mackay to get to the Lower Lost. The fishing has been very good with a mix of Baetis and Midge hatching throughout the day. With the higher flows, fishing subsurface is most productive.
Stillwater Options
Both Magic and the Little Wood reservoirs are filling fast and can fish well in the newly flooded coves and inlets. While you can fish from shore or a float tube with ease, please be aware of the spring winds that can make boating unsafe. Another great option is the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. If you have a day or two, this is worth the trip. Duck Valley is managed by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and has three different reservoirs to pick from: Mountain View, Lake Billy Shaw, and Sheep Creek. For a small fee, you can fish all three and camping facilities are available as well for an additional fee. As for techniques in all these reservoirs, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown or olive on an intermediate or type 3 or 5 sinking line. Sheep Creek Specials always seem to work in Duck Valley. Also, suspending a series of nymphs or chironomids at the right depth can also be effective. Come on by the shop and we can set you up.
Stillwater Flies: Seal Buggars | Balanced Leeches | Bouface Leech | Snowcone Chironomids | Egg Patterns | Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms
Big Lost: Trailing Shuck Midge | Griffiths Gnats | Parachute Midge | Iron Lotus | SRS Bullet French Nymph | Duracell | Jig 12-18 | Jake’s Perdigon 14-18 | Tungsten Nemec Stone | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Stone Daddy 8 | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | King Prince
| Silver Creek Big Wood The Big Lost South Fork of the Boise Salmon River |
126 cfs 2070 cfs 398 cfs 4280 cfs 3910 cfs |
