“The future ain’t what it used to be.”
– Yogi Berra
While forecasting is an imperfect craft, let’s begin with what we know:
This has been the warmest winter on record (NOAA). As a result, the snowpack in Idaho is at historic lows, despite precipitation levels being at or near average. Furthermore, NOAA is predicting a warmer and drier than normal summer. In short, “water supply conditions will likely be challenging this year” (NRCS). This will impact agriculture and recreation in the region throughout the summer and fall months.
For anglers, this means flows will drop much earlier than normal and be lower than average. Water flows on the Wood, for example, have already peaked at over 800 CFS in March and have been elevated most of the month. To put this in perspective, the Wood typically experiences high flows beginning in late April or May and continues to run high through June. However, it is likely the Wood will be nearly a month ahead of normal flows and may be very fishable on opening day, May 23rd. What flows will look like in late summer into fall remains to be seen.
In addition, on warm, low water years, hatches tend to be early. For example, the Brown Drake Hatch on Silver Creek which typically occurs late May into early June may very well make an appearance before the Upper Creek opens on May 23th. It is likely that the Green Drake hatch on our local freestones will also be early.
All of this of course depends on the weather over the next several months; however, anglers planning to come to the region should be aware that the lower than average flows will impact their fishing experience.In the meanwhile, stay tuned to this forecast or call the store anytime for the latest information. We are committed to providing the best information we can to help you plan your future fishing in and around Sun Valley.
Silver Creek
The Nature Conservancy and Kilpatrick Pond are closed for the season and will reopen on May 23rd. However, Silver Creek from the Highway 20 bridge to its confluence with the Little Wood remains open. This is a great walk and wade option and with the warm weather the afternoon Baetis has been very good. Of course, slow drifting nymphs under a bobber or swinging lightly weighted streamers is productive.
Big Lost below Mackay
Trail Creek Pass remains closed; however, the drive to the Lost through Arco is worth the four hours of windshield time from Ketchum and back. Hatch wise, expect a combination of midge and Baetis. Bring a good selection of midge in sizes 18-22 and Baetis in size 16-18 both dry and wet. You will see some spawning trout in the shallow riffles so please wade with caution and let them be.
Upper Salmon Steelhead
The fish arrived early in the upper reaches of the river and the run has already peaked. The temperatures have been on a rollercoaster so water clarity is off and flows are up. There may be a few fish around over the next couple weeks but it will be slow. Remember the steelhead season in this area is over the end of April. If you are interested, come on into the shop for the latest reports and to check our full selection of steelhead flies.
The Big Wood/ South Fork of the Boise
These rivers are closed until May 23rd.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 109 cfs |
| Big Wood | 699 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 71 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 309 cfs |
| Salmon | 1730 cfs |
