“Only a river gonna make things right.”
– Bob Weir
Anglers, and trout, depend on cold, clean water and a healthy insect life; those conditions only exist where rivers and their watersheds are protected. We can help our rivers by angling with a conservationist mindset and by supporting local organizations dedicated to saving our rivers for future generations. One such organization working to “make things right” is the Silver Creek Alliance. Read more about their efforts HERE and please sign up for their newsletter.
Silver Creek
The Nature Conservancy 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 year round. With the cold temperatures of late, there can be significant ice build up along the banks. There is still enough open water that fishing is possible. If you go, try nymphing with midge patterns or swing a leech.
The Big Wood
With high pressure dominating the weather pattern, the temperatures have been on the cold side. It’s best to wait until around noon to hit the water. Fishing will slow down once the sun leaves the water and the temperatures drop. While you may find some surface feeding, the winter midge activity should increase as we head into February. So when selecting flies, keep it simple. Carry a few midge dries and wets, as well as some stonefly nymphs and junk flies.
Big Lost below Mackay
It takes a tad over two hours to drive through Arco and up to Mackay to get to the Lost; however, it can be well worth it if you are looking to make a day of fishing. With the current low water levels (60 CFS), you’ll find fish concentrated in and around the deep slow buckets. It is best to use stealth in your approach and give the bucket a rest every so often. If you rotate through a variety of small midge patterns and some junk flies, you should be able to keep the fish interested.
South Fork of the Boise
As always, be prepared for slippery roads. Take a set of chains, a sleeping bag, and some food in case you get stuck. The fishing is slow in the canyon, but you can expect your typical winter fare of midge and a smattering of BWO. As the days get longer in February and March, this fishery really gets good again.
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 | 102 cfs |
| Big Wood | 137 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 63.1 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 309 cfs |
