“Life isn’t a matter of milestones but moments.”
– Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
Whether fly fishing or fulfilling holiday obligations, savor the small moments. After all the preparation, it is time to let the holiday hatch happen.
Silver Creek
he Preserve portion of Silver Creek is closed for the season; however, downstream of Kilpatrick Bridge remains open until the end of March and from the Highway 20 bridge through Point of Rocks to the confluence of the Little Wood is open all year. The mild days have made this a good option. Fishing is best done with streamers and nymphs either dead drift or on a swing. You may find a few trout sipping midge as well.
The Big Wood
There is little to no snow on the Valley floor making the parking access along the Wood easy. In general, the fishing has been good for anglers willing to walk away from the easy access points and find fish that have not been pressured. When seeking winter holding water, look for deep, slow buckets and you are sure to find a concentration of trout. This time of year, nymphing is most productive and the key to success is detecting subtle winter takes. A good high vis dry,if you are dry dropper fishing, or a small indicator work well for the really slow water. For water with more movement, try Euro Nymphing. Watch for a simple pause of the fly, indicator, or the line as this could be a take. And, as always, keep the trout wet and quickly release them back to the water.
Big Lost Below Mackay
With Trail Creek Pass now closed you will need to drive through Arco and up to Mackay. This journey takes about 2 hours and is a great option if you have a full day to spend on the water. With the low water conditions (50 CFS) the fish will be concentrated in the deep buckets. Stealth, along with small flies and light tippet, is the best approach.
South Fork of the Boise
While the road is in good shape at the moment, always take a standard winter survival kit in your car including chains, a sleeping bag, and plenty of water and food when heading into the canyon. On mild days, you will see a light Baetis hatch along with midge in the afternoon. If you are persistent you will find fish willing to take a well-presented dry fly. Nymphing is most productive for both whitefish and trout.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big wood: Baetis 20,22 | Midge 22,24 | Small Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 91.5 cfs |
| Big Wood | 139 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 53.7 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 295 cfs |
