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“Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.”

– Charles Dudley Warner

One thing we do when it comes to talking about the weather is: make predictions. Four weeks ago the summer water forecast for the Valley looked grim, but moisture keeps coming to our mountains. As of April 1st, the Big Wood Basin snow water equivalent was at 64% of average. Today it is at 113%. What this means for the big picture drought in the region remains to be seen; however, if the moisture keeps coming in the form of snow and the nighttime temperatures remain below freezing in the tallest peaks, runoff will come slower and later than anticipated making late June and early July a good time for fish and fishermen as the water drops. Stay tuned. Opening weekend is right around the corner.

Big Wood / Silver Creek / South Fork of the Boise
Closed until opening day, Saturday, May 28th.

The Lost Below Mackay
This is a great spring fishery and unlike the Wood, the South Fork, and the Creek, it is open year round. Currently the flows are holding at around 84 CFS, but typically they turn the water up in May as demands for irrigation increase. So before you go, check the flows. The fishing can be very good this time of year. Of course, this time of year it is not unusual to see fish on redds, so watch your step and leave these fish alone. Bugwise, be prepared for prolific midge activity with a few Baetis in the mix.

The Salmon
The steelhead season has come to a close for the year.

Stillwater
The ice is gone from the local reservoirs and they are worth a visit over the next few weeks as you wait for the rivers to open. Mackay, Magic, and Duck Valley should all be on your radar. All can be fished either from the bank, a boat, or from a float tube. If you do decide to tube or boat, please be aware that the spring winds have been fierce. As for techniques, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown, or olive on an intermediate or type 3 or 5 sinking line. Often spring trout feed on Daphnia, aka freshwater plankton, and a leech is a welcome meal. 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.

Big Lost Flies: Baetis | Midge | Sexy Walts | Bullet French Nymph | Lite Brite Perdigons | Pheasant Tail | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pat’s Rubber Legs

Stillwater Flies: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids |  Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs

 

The Big Lost 84 cfs