Fly Fishing Forecast
October 26 – November 9

With cork in hand, savor the golden leaves as they float from air to stream and return to the soil again. Delicious autumn, indeed! A delight to the senses. However, remember the poet’s refrain…nothing gold can stay.

Silver Creek
The Creek will continue to fish well. Expect Baetis in the late afternoon which should get most of the fish feeding…and on Cloudy days, this hatch can be prolific. To match, have a good selection of duns, cripples, and spinners in sizes 18-20 and fish long, light leaders to guarantee success on these selective fall feeders. Prior to and right after the hatch, nymphing dry dropper style with small nymphs is the ticket. Streamer fishing is also a good bet as the fish tend to be aggressive this time of year. As always, beware of spawning browns and avoid treading on the spawning beds. Keep in mind, the upper reach of Silver Creek through the Nature Conservancy section to the Kilpatrick Bridge closes the end of this month. Also, while fishing in the Preserve, you are required to sign in. This can be done via your phone with the QR code posted at all access points, by texting “Visitor” to (833) 593-0682, or by simply dropping into the visitor center.

Big Wood
The late October rain and snow has bumped up the river a bit. Flows are looking good heading into winter as compared to last year. With the cooler weather, the fishing remains best in the afternoon until the sun leaves the water. There may be a Baetis hatch starting around noon and plenty of midge activity as well. The fish are feeding aggressively during this short window. With the colder temperatures, the fish have transitioned into their winter holding water, so don’t expect to find fish spread out in the fast water. Focus your attention on the deeper water. A patient angler will find surface feeding fish; however, the most productive method is still nymphing. Try a dry dropper or a Euro style rig. The biggest challenge now is keeping the falling leaves off your fly.

The Upper Lost
There will be a short fishing window as the water begins to turn frigid. Be aware that Trail Creek Pass closes officially on the 15th of November, but may close earlier if snow continues to fall.

The Lost Below Mackay
The flows have come down to 75 CFS which has concentrated the fish in the deeper holding water. Stealth, along with some small nymphs fished Euro Style or suspended will be your most productive approach. There will be a very short period of surface activity as well.

Salmon
It is getting very cold up in the Stanley area, but you can still find some fishing opportunities over the next couple of weeks. Keep your flask and thermos nearby, and you can always retreat to your vehicle for a warm up.

South Fork of the Boise
When heading to the South Fork during the late fall and winter months be sure to have chains and a four-wheel drive. The canyon road can be slick. The fish should be active during the pleasant time of day in the and around runs where you can find structure. Try midge as well as baetis patterns in size 18-24. Of course, nymphing Euro Style or dry dropper is very productive for white fish and the occasional trout.

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 | Flav | Deep Cleaner | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Rain Drop Jigs | Maktima UV Jig | Pat’s Rubber Legs