“Fishing is a quest for knowledge and wonder as much as a pursuit of fish.” ~Paul Schullery
If it is wonder, knowledge, and fish that you seek then July is the month and Silver Creek Outfitters is the place for you. Each of our unique fisheries comes into its own during the month of July. With Tricos on the Creek and manageable flows on both the Lost and Wood, the fishing will be fantastic. Of course, a successful quest depends on knowing the right fly, technique, and place; this is where our knowledgeable staff and guides can help. As for the wonder…that is the easy part. Let your fly fishing quest begin with Silver Creek Outfitters.
Silver Creek
We have been experiencing a very mild summer thus far, which seems to be keeping the Trico hatch at bay for the moment. Also, strong afternoon winds seem to be the norm. That said, there are good numbers of hungry fish throughout the S-Curves and Kilpatrick Pond area. During the morning, always be prepared with Callibaetis, PMDs,and Baetis patterns as you never can tell what the fish might prefer. On the windy afternoons, try beetles, ants, and small hoppers. Also, a damsel nymph on a slow retrieve can be effective. We have the best selection of Rene Harrop’s spring creek dry flies in the valley, so drop on by before you head down.
Big Wood
The Drakes are starting to wind down on the Wood, but you may see a few around in the upper reaches of the river. Once the Drakes run their course, the other bugs of summer will begin to pick up steam: PMDs, Pink Alberts, and Caddis. This means it is time to start downsizing you flies, especially if you are getting refusals from fish. Of course, if you see no bug activity, anglers can find good success searching likely water with dry dropper rigs or Euro Nymphing. For dry dropper rigs, use high floating Orange or Yellow Stimulators, or your favorite attractor dry, followed by a Rainbow Warrior, Pheasant Tail, Zebra Midge, or Prince Nymph in a size 18 or 16. For Euro Nymping, fish with tandem flies with one heavy and one light.
Upper Big Lost
High flows persist in the upper reaches of the Lost and the fishing is limited to just the easily accessed holes at the moment, but the water is dropping fast and new water is opening every day. We are really within a week of this area coming into its prime.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows are still too high, but are starting to drop (650 CFS). It is best to wait until late summer when the flows drop below 350 CFS before fishing here again.
The Salmon
The river is fishing extremely well right now, and if you have never fished this area this would be the year to try! You can expect to see good numbers of PMDs and Yellow Sallies during the morning. A Yellow Stimulator in a size 14 is the perfect match. Walk and wade fishing in the upper river around Stanley is another good option. The Chinook season is still open on the Upper Salmon.
South Fork of the Boise
There are Stoneflies, Cicadas, and Mormon Crickets throughout the river. It is time to toss big bugs at the bank. Flows are back down to 1,600 CFS, a perfect level for drift boats. If the big bugs aren’t turning fish, try a dropper or stop and work the riffles over with nymphs. Try Rubber Legged Stones and other traditional stonefly patterns, as well as San Juan Worms, Caddis Larva, beaded PTs and Zebra Midge for the best results. Swinging a streamer is also a good idea and my result in a good size Bull Trout.
Local Ponds
Gavers Lagoon, Penny, and Lake Creek ponds have been stocked and would make a great location for a family picnic. Come on by the shop for all your family fishing needs!
Stillwaters
Both Magic and Little Wood reservoir are still fishing well and can be accessed either from the bank, a float tube, or a boat. As for techniques, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown or olive on an intermediate or type 3 sinking line. Also, suspending a series of nymphs at the right depth can be effective. Come on by the shop and we can set you up with the right flies and driving directions.
Warm Springs
Warm Springs is a great close to town option with easy wading. There is a good population of wild fish in this river if you get off the beaten path and these fish need to be handled with care; however, Fish and Game does stock around the bridges and where the river nears the road. Try fishing big dries like Royal Stimulators or Parachute Hare’s Ears in tandem with a large beaded Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph, or Green Drake nymphs.
Silver Creek Flies: PMDs 16 | Beatis 18 | Callibeatis 16 | Damsel Nymphs | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive 16,18 | Pheasant Tails 16,18
Big Wood, Warm Springs, Big Lost, Salmon River Flies: Green Drakes 12 | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Caddis Larva | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise Flies: Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flash Back Pheasant tails | King Prince | Streamers
Stillwater Flies: Pops Buggers | Standard Olive, Black, and Brown Wooley Buggers | Stayner’s Ducktail | Sheep Creek Special | Bouface Leech | Seal Buggers | Squirrel Leech | Chironomids | Olive Scuds | Perch Imitations
| Silver Creek Big Wood Upper Big Lost The Big Lost Salmon South Fork of the Boise |
107 cfs 633 cfs 898 cfs 650 cfs 1,500 cfs 1600 cfs |
