“How did it get so late so soon?”
– Dr. Seuss
Time slips away when one task leads to another…and with the holidays around the corner, the “to do” list just keeps piling higher and higher, until…it is high time to reset your priorities. Get thee to a river.
Silver Creek
Remember, the Conservancy portion of the Creek will close at the end of November. The stretch from Kilpatrick Bridge down all through Point of Rocks remains open until the end of March. Even with the cool winter-like conditions, the Creek is still producing decent baetis and midge action late in the day. Of course, cloudy, still days are your best bet for fish on the surface. The rest of the time, your best action will come on nymphs and streamers. One final note…while the brown trout are done spawning for the season, it is best to avoid walking on redds.
Big Wood
The fish have migrated into winter holding water. Waste no time fishing runs that are fast and shallow; instead focus on the slow seams, deep buckets, and tail outs. For the most part, the fall baetis and caddis hatches have run their course. This time of year look for a few midges hatching late in the day. With the wintery weather, the fish are concentrated and hungry. If you find the right spot at the right time you will find fish eager to take a fly. Keep in mind that when the water temps drop, the takes can be subtle. Strike detection is the key to success.
The Big Lost
Trail Creek Pass is technically still open as its official closing date is on November 15th; however, with the recent snowfall, it is likely unpassable. If you decide to go, head to Carey and over to Arco to get to Mackay. With flows at 87 CFS, the fish will be concentrated in the deep runs. Expect to find some Baetis, but mostly midge hatching in the afternoons. For the few surface feeders, you will need long leaders down to 6 or 7X and small flies to match. Nymphing will produce the most consistent action.
South Fork of the Boise
Be sure you are prepared for winter travel if you head to the South Fork. Travel in a 4-wheel drive equipped with studded snow tires along with chains. Always bring along extra food, a sleeping bag, and a change of clothes in case of emergencies. As for the fishing, the flows are steady at 295 CFS, which is ideal for walk and wade fishing. There are some baetis, as well as midge, hatching in the late afternoon.
Big Wood: Baetis | Midge | Red Quills (Hecuba) | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
Silver Creek: Baetis | Midge | Bullet French Nymph | DB Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Pine Squirrel Leech
Salmon: Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite
Big Lost Flies: Baetis | Midge | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Deep Cleaner | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs
| Silver Creek | 96.6 cfs |
| Big Wood | 166 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 84 cfs |
| Salmon | 529 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 299 cfs |
