Photo By: Bob Knoebel
“I ended up by being my own trout and eating the slice of bread myself.”
– Richard Brautigan
Sometimes the pursued and the pursuer merge into one, and a river runs through them.
Silver Creek
The cooler weather this week should help snap the Creek out of its summer funk. You may see a few Tricos, but the early morning hatch activity has shifted to late morning and consists mostly of Baetis. Callibaetis duns and spinners are bouncing around in the afternoon, especially in the pond and some fish are focused on them. Hoppers, ants, and beetles are all working, especially when the wind blows. Nymphing is productive as usual with small Baetis, midge, or Callibaetis nymphs. The browns are getting more aggressive since the fall spawn is just around the corner.
The Big Wood
While the rain helped, the Wood is very low and the fishing has been tough. However, if you employ stealth matched with delicate presentations, you will find some decent trout. You can expect to find a few Tricos, Baetis, caddis, PMDs as well as flying ants and hoppers depending on time of day and location. Small nymphs trailed behind a dry are productive and streamers are also worth a try. With the cool down, keep on the lookout for the last big mayfly of the year, the Hecuba (Red Quill).
Big Lost below Mackay
Flows are down a bit to around 340 CFS. These flows make the river more accessible for strong wade anglers and they should continue to drop as we head into September. There are plenty of feeding trout in the riffles and buckets, as well as a good number of larger ones to sight fish for along the shallow edges of runs. Tricos and Baetis are the main midmorning fare and craneflies are always a good option. In the afternoon, the fishing slows down dramatically.
Upper Big Lost
The water, like the Wood, is low and clear, so stealth is critical. It is very cool in the mornings so no need to start first thing. Focus on the deeper, greenish runs and be prepared to cover a lot of ground. There are still Tricos and an assortment of small mayflies and caddis around. Hoppers and flying ants are a good choice as well.
Salmon
The flows are low and, while some don’t mind dragging their boats, the floating season is mostly done. Wade fishers will find plenty of pull offs to park and search. For flies, try hopper patterns matched with a beaded nymph.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows are holding at around 1100 CFS which is still better for floating than wading. Lower flows are on the horizon as demands for water will subside in the next few weeks. You can expect to find Pinks, Baetis, caddis, craneflies and the usual array of terrestrials.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have all been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the holiday weekend.
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 | 91.5 cfs |
| Big Wood | 115 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 334 cfs |
| Salmon | 418 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1180 cfs |
