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Fishing Forecast

Fly Fishing Forecast
May 29 – June 5

“Learn to be flexible. Don’t start with a preconceived idea. Is the water clear? Are the fish spooky?”  ~from Trout Tactics by Joe Humphreys

Fishing success really depends on asking the right questions. This time of year, the questions should include: What are the water flows? Do I have a good variety of flies to match the changing conditions? When will the Brown Drakes happen this year? Do I have enough layers to stay warm? Do I have a backup plan? No matter your questions, we have the answer, so drop by or give us a call. Remember Joe’s advice, stay flexible.

And don’t forget…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.”

Silver Creek
The Creek fished well over the opening weekend, and while it was crowded at times, the weather kept all but the intrepid from fishing. Between now and when the Brown Drakes begin is a quiet time on the Creek. Expect variable conditions and inconsistency when it comes to hatches. The two most prominent hatching mayflies this time of year are PMDs and Callibaetis. Still a variety of bugs and techniques will take fish…so have fun, stay warm, and remain flexible. On a side note, the Brown Drake hatch typically occurs anytime from the last week of May to the second week of June. Stay tuned to social media if you have this on your bucket list.
The Big Wood
The Big Wood has been hovering around 2000 CFS for the last week and may go even higher once it warms up again next week. Keep in mind that the peaks above 9,000 feet are still getting snow. While you may be able to find a side channel to wet a line, the Wood is still several weeks away from being ready to fish.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows on the South Fork of the Boise have dropped to 2,670 CFS. This is still high to wade, but expert floaters will take to the river. The fishing will mostly be done in the side channels with heavy nymphs and streamers. We are a few weeks away from seeing the Salmon Fly hatch.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are up near 900 CFS and may go even higher. In late July or August, the flows may return to fishable levels under 350CFS.
Stillwater Options
Both Magic and the Little Wood reservoirs can be fished from shore or from a float tube; however, please be aware of the spring winds that can make boating/ tubing unsafe. For those looking to get out of town, a great option is the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. 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. If you go, please be aware that this is open range country and often the cows are in the middle of the road. 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.
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 8 | Bishop’s Dynamite | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | King Prince
Stillwater Flies: Seal Buggars | Balanced Leeches | Bouface Leech | Snowcone Chironomids | Egg Patterns | Prince Nymph | Squirmy Worms
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
Silver Creek
Big Wood
The Big Lost
South Fork of the Boise
Salmon River		 256 cfs
1980 cfs
885 cfs
2720 cfs
3930cfs