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“Almost always, the people who say, ‘I am going to keep going until this works, and no matter what the challenges are I’m going to figure them out’, and mean it, go on to succeed. They are persistent long enough to give themselves a chance for luck to go their way.”   – Sam Altman

It is the “figuring them out” that is key, not just persistently doing the same thing long enough. The trout, the hatch, the conditions within the moment present the problem, and the angler recognizes the challenge and adapts. This is when luck happens.

Silver Creek
With the crowds of opening weekend gone, the Creek should settle into its early-season rhythms. The flows are good and the fish are spread out through the walk and wade of the Nature Conservancy all the way through the BLM below the highway. PMDs along with a few Callibaetis and Baetis are hatching in the afternoon. And the Brown Drake hatch is expected within the next couple weeks, especially if the weather warms. June is mostly unpredictable, so always be flexible with your fly selection and carry lots of layers to stay warm. Also, remember that the visitor’s cabin in the Preserve is closed. To sign in, use the QR code posted at each access and follow the prompts.

The Big Wood
The flows are right around 450 CFS and may go up as we warm up, but the water should stay mostly clear and the fishing is fantastic. Even though we are experiencing unusually low water for this time of year don’t be fooled; wade with caution and wear a wading belt. As for tactics, focus on the slower water with structure. The fish are still mostly concentrated in and around the winter holding water and some may still be spawning. Dry dropper rigs, deep nymphing with an indicator, or Euro Style set-ups are most effective. We are still expecting perfect flows and Green Drakes around the middle of June.

The Big Lost Upper
Trail Creek Pass is now open and the Upper Lost is high but fishing. As always you will need to hop around to be successful. If you are looking to get out of town for some spectacular vistas of snow-covered mountains with green valleys, then this is for you. Like the Wood the water is moving very fast and wading should only be done with caution. We are still a few weeks away from easily moving about the river.

The Big Lost Lower
Since we have seen a lot of rain this May, the demand for irrigation has been light. This, coupled with a low snowpack, means the flows are fishable below Mackay reservoir; however, this could change any day. You can expect the fishing it be very good throughout the day with nymphs. In the afternoon, Baetis and midge are hatching and persistent dry fly anglers will find surface feeding fish. If you go, check the flows. Once they go above 400 CFS wading is very difficult.

The Salmon
While the big bugs are not out yet, the flows are perfect for floating. If interested, give us a shout… this is a great way to spend a June day!

Southfork of the Boise
Flows are perfect for drift boat anglers. During the day, big bugs like rubber legged stones and anything foam is best. The caddis in the evenings have been spectacular.

Stillwater Options
Magic, Mackay, and the Little Wood reservoirs can be fished either from shore or from a float tube; however, please be aware of the spring winds that can make boating/ tubing unsafe. 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. Also, suspending a series of nymphs or chironomids at the right depth can also be effective.

Big Wood, Big Lost, and South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Iron Lotus | SRS Bullet French Nymph | Duracell Jig 12-18 | Jake’s Perdigon 14-18 | Tungsten Nemec Stone | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Stone Daddy | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | King Prince

Silver Creek: PMD | Callibaetis | Baetis | Griffiths Gnats | Parachute Midge | Iron Lotus | SRS Bullet  | French Nymph | Jake’s Perdigon 14-18 | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive

Stillwater Flies: Seal Buggars | Balanced Leeches | Bouface Leech | Snowcone Chironomids | Egg Patterns | Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms

 

Silver Creek
Big Wood
The Big Lost
South Fork of the Boise
Salmon River
202 cfs
482 cfs
211 cfs
1200 cfs
2920 cfs