Photo By: Sofia DeWolfe
“When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place I have traded for it.”
– Wright Thompson
Hang your waders; the day is done. For memories and moments, you have given the day your focus and presence. Time is best spent on the water.
Silver Creek
The Trico hatch seems to be waning for the season. But the morning fishing has still been good in the Preserve and Pond. You can still expect the brief morning Trico spinner fall to be accompanied by lots of Baetis and a few Callibaetis and PMDs. It is best to have a variety of patterns to match the moment, the location, and the trout’s ever changing tastes. While difficult, skilled anglers will have fun targeting rising fish. Once the morning hatch subsides, try a damsel fly or Callibaetis spinner on the few remaining surface feeders. Nymphing before and after the hatch activity is productive. If the wind blows, shorten your leader and try a terrestrial (beetles, ants, or hoppers).
The Big Wood
Water temps on the lower Wood are getting high in the afternoon, but you can find cooler water if you move up river. The fishing has been good for smaller fish with some skilled anglers finding decent fish. In the late morning there are plenty of Tricos, micro caddis, Baetis, spruce moths, and small crane flies to keep fish active. During the hot afternoons, the bugs disappear, but the fish can still be found with hoppers, ants, and nymphs. When searching the water, try a small nymph in size 16 or 18 off the bend of a high floating parachute and search the likely water. The takes are fast, so be sure to manage your slack.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows are bouncing around 400 CFS. This is still a tad high, but doable for very confident waders. If you go, you will find decent Tricos and a few PMDs hatching throughout the morning and disappearing in the afternoon. A few Crane Flies are also skittering about and can draw a fast take.
Upper Big Lost
The upper reaches are getting low, but the main stem is worth a trip. To be successful, keep moving around to find fish that have not been bothered the day before. The larger trout are opportunistic feeders and will usually only give you one look. For flies, take an assortment of large and small attractor dry flies and nymphs.
Salmon
The flows are still good for floating on the lower reaches especially for those with rubber; however, if you want to wade fish, there are plenty of pull outs to park your car and search up and down the river from Stanley to Clayton. Expect to find Spruce Moths and hoppers clicking throughout the day.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows remain at 1600 CFS; perfect for floating, and there are some wade fishing opportunities along the road. You will find caddis, Pink Alberts, Flavs, and crane flies hatching throughout the day. Hoppers, with droppers, are also taking 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 | Terrestrials | Damsels | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Caddis 18-14 | PMD 16 | Golden Stoneflies | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Pink Alberts 16 | Caddis 18-6 | Baetis 20 | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 96.6 cfs |
| Big Wood | 150 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 384 cfs |
| Salmon | 507 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1190 cfs |
