Fly Fishing Forecast
August 9-16

Those who have been watching the river flow this year know that now is the time we have been waiting for. So don’t just sit there. Go forth and fish.

Silver Creek

The Trico hatch slowed a bit with the cooler weather, but as things warm up again we should see some more decent spinner falls this week before it fades by the end of the month. Expect the morning spinner fall to be followed by Baetis and Callibaetis. Fly-wise, have a variety of patterns to match the variety of bugs. Once the morning feed subsides, try Damsels or Callibaetis spinners on the few remaining surface feeders. If the wind blows, shorten your leader and try your favorite terrestrial (beetles, ants, or hoppers). Small nymphs can also be productive.

Big Wood

Last week felt like fall; however; the weather looks to be drying out and warming up this week. Still, you may want to check the daily highs before committing to wet wading the Wood. The pressure is light on the Wood as most of the guides are finding alternatives out of the Valley. Nevertheless, the fishing has been good for smaller fish with some persistent anglers finding decent fish. In the late morning there are plenty of Tricos, micro caddis, Baetis, Rusty Spinners, and small crane flies to keep fish active. During the afternoons, the bugs disappear, but the fish can still be found with hoppers, ants, and nymphs. When searching for fish during the slow periods, try a small nymph in size 16 or 18 off the bend of a high floating parachute or hopper hopper and search all the likely holding water.

Warm Springs

While it is getting low, Warm Springs is fishing well for stocked fish and a few wild fish. If you enjoy small stream fishing and a stealthy approach, this is a great option. You will find the same bugs here you find on the Wood.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows remain at 1200 CFS. Drifting is still your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. Expect Pink Alberts midday and a variety of caddis both early and late.

The Upper Lost

The Upper Lost continues to fish well despite the heavy angler pressure, especially through the middle of the day as the water warms and the bugs get active. To be successful, keep moving around to find fish that have not been pestered the day before. While these fish are opportunistic feeders and will usually give an attractor dry fly a try, they may only give you one chance. For flies, take along an assortment of your favorite attractor dry flies and nymphs as well as your standard parachute patterns and small nymphs.

Big Lost below Mackay

The flows below the dam remain high at over 750 CFS making wading nearly impossible. These high flows are going to continue until the reservoir is drained and repairs can be made on the gates.

Salmon River

The flows are still good for floating on the lower river; however, if you choose to wade fish, there are plenty of pull offs to park your car and search this wonderful fishery up and down the river. Expect to find sporadic Spruce Moths and hoppers clicking throughout the day.

Local Ponds

Penny Lake, Heagle Park Pond, Lake Creek, and Gaver’s Lagoon have all been recently stocked. If you are looking for a fun spot to have a family picnic and catch a few fish, give these a go.

Silver Creek: Callibeatis | Tricos | Beatis | PMD | Damsel Nymphs/Dry | Caddis | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive  | Small Pheasant Tails 

Big Wood and Warm Springs: Pink Alberts | PMD | Caddis | Crane Flies | Perdigons | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Chubby Chernobyl

Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Golden Stones | Spruce Moths | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Prince Nymph

South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Pink Alberts | Caddis | Crane Fly | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Perdigons | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone