“Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One person gets only a week’s value out of a year while another gets a full year’s value out of a week.”
– Charles Richards
The calendar does not lie; July is coming to a close. The value of a day, a week, a year is not measured by pointless productivity. It is time to make use of the remaining days of summer and go fishing.
Silver Creek
Fishing the Creek remains slow, but the good numbers of small fish bodes well for the future. If you do go, the morning Trico hatch should continue to build this week, especially with the warmer temps in the forecast. The day typically begins with a few Callibaetis spinners and a smattering of Trico Duns on the water. As the morning progresses, hopefully Baetis spinners make an appearance followed by a brief Trico spinner fall. Fish pods are far and few between, but if you do find feeding trout they are more than likely eating more Baetis spinners than Tricos. Once the morning activity subsides, Blue Damsels as well as Callibaetis Duns and Spinners may appear. Of course, beetles and ants can be good midday with a wind chop.
Big Wood
With new water continuing to open as flows drop, the Wood looks great. Still, fish numbers are down, so success depends upon persistence. Those willing to find water that has not been pressured are finding decent fishing. The hatches remain strong during the most pleasant time of day, but once the heat settles in the bugs disappear.
Warm Springs
This Big Wood tributary is fishing well around the bridges where fish have been recently stocked.
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 a few straggling Salmon flies as well as Pink Alberts. Mormon Crickets are a good option as well. In the evening, the caddis take center stage.
The Upper Lost
The West, North, and East Fork are wadable and fishing well despite an uptick in pressure from anglers looking for an alternative to the Wood. The main stem is still too high, but should be ready to explore soon. As always, the anglers who are most successful cover a lot of ground.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows below the dam are high at over 900 CFS. There are rumors that these flows are going to continue until the reservoir is drained and repairs can be made. Stay tuned.
Salmon River
Even though flows are dropping, floating the Salmon is still a great option. Also, there are decent walk and wade opportunities all along the river from above Stanley all the way down to Clayton. There are still a few golden stones in the air and spruce moths should start soon.
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 | Damsel Nymphs/Dry | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails
Big Wood and Warm Springs: Streamers | Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone | King Prince | 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 | Deep Cleaner Stone | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Perdigons | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone
| Silver Creek | 117 cfs |
| Big Wood | 570 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 918 cfs |
| Salmon | 793 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1220 cfs |
