Photo By: Alex Long
“We live like water: wetting a new tongue with no telling what we’ve been through.”
– Ocean Vuong
We step into the water and our shared experiences collide. There are untold stories yet to unfold. A rise, a drift and the conversation begins.
Silver Creek
While there are still some Tricos and slew of Baetis in the mornings, the Creek is transitioning away from its typical mid summer hatch pattern to a late summer pattern. This means we should see afternoon Callibaetis begin to ramp up. The late summer Callibaetis are smaller than the ones we see in June and July, so be sure to have an array of spinners, duns, and emergers in 16 and 18. Of course, hopper, beetle, and ant patterns are going to continue to be important sources of food for hungry trout, especially if the wind blows in the afternoon.
The Big Wood
The Wood is low and clear. Success will depend on finding the right water type and employing stealth. The larger fish are very spooky and will only give you one chance to make an undetected presentation. Be prepared to cover a ton of water as well. This is a good time of year to pack a lunch and work from one access to another. In the morning you will still find a few Tricos and an array of caddis. In the afternoon, small hoppers and ants are a good bet. Micro nymphs are also working well.
Big Lost below Mackay
Flows are still between 300 and 400 CFS which limits access. In the morning you will still find plenty of Tricos and Baetis. Large craneflies are also still skittering about as well. The trout are well seasoned and can be selective this time of year. Fine tippets and precise presentations are key to success.
Upper Big Lost
While low, the main stem of the Upper Lost is your best bet. The better fishing has shifted back to the mid morning into the afternoon, as the morning temps have been chilly. Hoppers are turning fish if you are simply searching the water. However, smaller, more imitative caddis and mayfly patterns are working well on selective feeders.
Salmon
There are still a few spruce moths and caddis fluttering about in the mornings; hoppers are a good option in the afternoon. Floating is best for rubber rafts on the lower river and adventurous anglers can find good walk and wade opportunities up and down the river.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows have dropped to around 1200 CFS. Fishing from a drift boat is still your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. If floating, try hoppers with a nymph trailer along the banks. Expect Pink Alberts during the afternoon and a variety of caddis both early and late. When you find feeders, park the boat and work the fish.
Local Ponds
It is a good time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Silver Creek: Caddies 16,14 | Baetis. 20-24 | Tricos 22-24 | Callibaetis 16, 18 | Terrestrials | Damsels | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big wood: Caddies 16,18 | Tricos 20-22 | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Tricos 20, 22 | Baetis 18, 20 | Crane Flies | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Spruce Moth 14 | Caddis 16, 18 | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Pink Alberts 16 | Hoppers | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 103 cfs |
| Big Wood | 122 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 365 cfs |
| Salmon | 455 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1190 cfs |
