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Fishing Forecast

Fly Fishing Forecast
October 17 – 31

By October 17, 2018No Comments

“Definition of a fly rod—an antenna, which transmits peace, tranquility, excitement, fellowship and most of all, an awareness and appreciation for the outdoors.” ~ Roderick Haig-Brown

No matter the make, no matter the length, no matter the style…the fly rod is the thing all anglers have in common. Its singular purpose: to connect anglers with the underwater world of their quarry. Yet, it is so much more. Don’t let your fly rod sit on the shelf collecting dust. It is time head to the water and let your favorite fly rod fulfill its purpose.

Silver Creek

The hatches have been sparse on some days and intense on others. Expect Fall Baetis and a few Mahogany Duns hatching in the middle of the day into the afternoon with a few midge hatching until sundown. For Baetis, have a good selection of duns, cripples, and spinners tied by the House of Harrop in size 20-24. For Mahoganies, have dun and emerger patterns as well. If the hatch is thin or nonexistent, terrestrials will still take fish, especially of windy days. Also, nymphing dry dropper style with size 20-16 pheasant tails and Baetis nymphs is effective.

Big Wood 

On the Wood, the water is low, clear, and cool. Fall Baetis should continue over the next two weeks and be especially prolific on cloudier days. The fall colors are peaking on the river and the leaves are starting to come down when the wind blows. The influx of freshly fallen leaves can create a challenge for anglers. Not to worry; the fish can see your fly through the leaves. The most productive method remains nymphing with either a dry dropper rig or Euro Style.  Try rubber leg stones, King Prince Nymphs, DB Zebra Midge, Bishop’s Dynamite, Egan’s Frenchy, or the Iron Lotus.

Upper Big Lost

While the Upper Lost is a spectacular place to fish right now, the fishing has been slow. The key to success…stay mobile. At this water level, the fish are concentrated around the good holding areas. If you are not turning fish right away, move on.

The Lost Below Mackay

The flows are lingering at 220 CFS. Look for Fall Baetis and midge during the early to late afternoon for your best chance to find surface feeders. Of course, cloudy days are always best. The rest of the time, nymphing dry-dropper or Euro Style with size 18-24 Bead Headed Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midge, or other small Baetis nymph imitations will be the most productive. Look for big fish in the slow, shallow water next to or below the faster runs.They can sometimes be fooled while sight nymphing with light tippet (6.5or 7X) and small nymphs without an indicator on a downstream drift. Very technical, but fun!

The Salmon

It can be very cold up here in the morning, but good fishing can still be found in the late afternoon. Find a pull out either above or below Stanley and focus your attention on the riffles above the deeper holding water. Nymphing and streamer fishing are the most productive techniques right now.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork is ideal for wading with the flows holding steady at 320 CFS. Fall Baetis and midge are the main players and they will be hatching during the comfortable times of the day. Nymphing is productive when few bugs are about with the usual suspects such as PTs (size 16-20), Zebra Midge (size 18,20), as well as stoneflies and caddis larva imitations.

Local Ponds

Penny Lake, Lake Creek Pond, or Gaver’s Lagoon are the perfect option for a family, fall picnic. We have a complete assortment of spinning gear, lures, bait, and flies so drop on by the shop and we can hook you up no matter the style of fishing you prefer.

Silver Creek Flies: Beatis 18 | Mahogany Duns 16 | Hoppers, Beetles, Ants |  Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive 16,18 | Pheasant Tails 16,18 | Baetis Nymphs

Big Wood, Big Lost, Salmon River Flies: Harrop’s Baetis | Caddis | Craneflies | Rubber Legged Stones |Iron Lotus | Pheasant Tails | Bishop’s Dynamite | King Prince | Streamers

South Fork of the Boise Flies: Baetis | Flavs | Crane Flies | Hoppers | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flash Back Pheasant tails | King Prince | Streamers

Silver Creek
Big Wood
Upper Big Lost
The Big Lost
Salmon
South Fork of the Boise		 93.2 cfs
196 cfs
113 cfs
225 cfs
532 cfs
319 cfs