Photo by: Bob Knoebel
“Take time to celebrate the quiet miracles that seek no attention.”
– John O’Donohue
A successful surgeon’s knot, a hatching Green Drake, a wet wade in 50 degree water: celebrate the small victories and wonders that unfold without fanfare.
Silver Creek
The hatch activity on the Creek has slowed after a fantastic June. You will still find a mix of Caddis, Baetis, Callibaetis, and damsels depending on where you decide to fish, but the river is in transition to a more typical summer pattern. Expect the bugs to come early during the coolest time of day and the afternoon winds will blow the bugs away. Terrestrials are a good bet when this happens. Nymphing has been effective during the light feeding periods early and late. It won’t be long until we see Tricos in the morning.
The Big Wood
The Wood continues to fish well with good numbers of small fish mixed with some very healthy, beautiful wild larger trout. The hatch activity has been solid but may change as we head into a hotter weather pattern. Anglers are still seeing Green Drakes up and down the valley and there are plenty of other mayflies, stones, and crane flies if there are no Drakes to be seen. Wading the river remains challenging, especially midvalley, but the river continues to drop opening up new access every day. We are heading into a very busy few weeks in the Valley, so remember to be kind to other anglers and respect private property.
Big Lost below Mackay
With flows hovering around 400 CFS, wading remains difficult and access limited. Strong waders will find decent fishing and prolific hatches of PMDs and Golden Stones through mid morning. In the afternoon the action generally slows.
Upper Big Lost
The East and North Fork have been fishing well and receiving a lot of angler pressure. The main stem is going to be more wadable this week and people should be able to spread out. The bug activity has been a real stew of PMDs, Drakes, Caddis, and Stones. Typically when you see bugs, the fish will focus on the surface. If you are not finding fish, be mobile as these fish tend to eat the first good presentation.
Salmon
The fishing is solid on the Salmon with good stoneflies and large mayflies hatching daily. As we head into the holiday week, the typical areas should be stocked and those willing to search can find wild trout. Wading opportunities are increasing as the flows drop; however, floating is the best option.
South Fork of the Boise
The South Fork is best fished from a drift boat with flows at 1600 CFS. The Salmon Flies should make an appearance soon and the fish will key on them. In the meanwhile, there are caddis in the evening and a few Mormon Crickets on the lower river.
Stillwater
Mackay, Little Wood, and Magic reservoir are slowing down as the heat descends on the valley. However, you can beat the heat and the crowds by fishing from the bank, a tube, or a boat. Multiple methods work from pulling leeches or suspending buzzers. If floating, be aware that the afternoon winds are particularly strong in the afternoons so please exercise common sense.
Silver Creek: Caddies | Baetis | PMDs | Callibaetis | Terrestrials | Damsels | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Caddis | PMDs | Golden Stoneflies | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Salmon Flies | Caddis | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 124 cfs |
| Big Wood | 379 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 389 cfs |
| Salmon | 1140 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1610 cfs |
