“More details explain things more, but less details confuse things less.”
– David James Duncan
Too much information can lead to confusion, while too little can result in a lack of understanding.The key is finding balance. The bottom line: the more anglers know, the more they understand that the simplest solution is often best. Keep it simple this September.
Silver Creek
On the pleasant days you may still see a few Tricos and Baetis along with Callibaetis spinners in the late morning. But the best action has shifted to the afternoons with a good Callibaetis emergence and spinner fall. Have a good assortment of Callibaetis patterns in all phases of this insect’s life from emergers, to duns, and spinners. The Callibaetis are small this time of year so look for patterns in size 18 and 20 to work best. If the wind blows in the afternoon (most days), have some high floating Callibaetis as well. Of course, hoppers, beetles, and ants should always be in your box this time of year. It will not be long before we start seeing Mahogany Duns and October Caddis as well. These bugs indicate that fall has arrived, and winter is just around the corner. Once they show up, the fish will key on them, so be sure to have several in your box.
Big Wood
The Wood seems to be back on track now that the flows have dropped. Keep in mind, it is still higher than normal for this time of year. The cool nights and shorter days will trigger the Hecuba (aka Red Quill) hatch, the last big mayfly of the year, and the fish will key on them. Your Green Drake flies, Parachute Hare’s Ear, or even Para-hoppers in a size 12 will work as imitations for this fly. Fall Baetis are also showing up in the afternoons. Be sure to have flies you can see well in the shallow riffles and afternoon glare in size 18 or 20. During slow times, try trailing a small nymph behind a hopper. There are plenty of small fish and a few decent ones for anglers who cover a lot of ground.
Warm Springs and Trail Creek
These are a nice option if you love small stream tactics. There are plenty of stocked fish near the bridges and a healthy population of wild fish if you wander away from the easy access points.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are down to a wadable level at 600 CFS and may drop even more as demands for water decrease. You will see a few Flavs and Pink Alberts hatching in the early afternoon along with Beatis. Caddis are still present in the late afternoons and make for a good searching pattern along the seams.
The Upper Lost
Like the Wood, there will be a few Red Quills fluttering about in the afternoon and the fish are keying on them. Hoppers are also a good option. With the water dropping, expect to find the fish concentrated in the best water. As always, make your first presentations count, as these fish will feed opportunistically at first and then are hard to fool again.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows below the dam are back up over 600 CFS which is very difficult to wade. The high flows are going to continue until the reservoir is drained and repairs can be made on the gates. Once the reservoir is drained, the outflow from the reservoir should match the inflow.
Salmon River
The water has cleared and dropped and the river is fishing very well. Thanks to the late season rains, it remains very floatable. There are also plenty of good walk and wade options up and down the river. Try hoppers trailed by your beaded favorite nymph.
Local Ponds
Penny Lake, Heagle Park Pond, Lake Creek, and Gaver’s Lagoon have all been 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 | Mahogany Duns | October Caddis | Hoppers | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails
Big Wood and Warm Springs: Red Quills | Caddis | Crane Flies | Hoppers | Perdigons | Bishop’s Dynamite | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Chubby Chernobyl
Salmon: Flying Ants| Hoppers | Pat’s Rubber Legs | Bishop’s Dynamite | Prince Nymph
South Fork of the Boise: Pink Alberts | Caddis | Crane Fly | Hoppers | Duracell | Bullet French Nymph | Perdigons | San Juan Worm | Pat’s Rubber Leg Stone
| Silver Creek | 146 cfs |
| Big Wood | 299 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 567 cfs |
| Salmon | 565 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 608 cfs |
