Photo By: Alex Long
“Nothing matters as much as the ability to give every effort you have to the work you’re doing.”
– Doris Kearns Goodwin
The more effort you put forth over a lifetime of pursuit, the more the catch is not the measure of success.
Silver Creek
The Creek should remain solid this week, especially for those fishing early. The Trico hatch is the main attraction. The day typically begins with a few Callibaetis spinners and a smattering of Trico Duns on the water. As the morning progresses, hopefully Baetis spinners make an appearance followed by a Trico spinner fall. This will wrap up with a few PMDs in the mix. The duration of the morning hatch activity depends on the day, but typically lasts from 8 til 10:30 AM. Once the morning activity subsides, Blue Damsels as well as Callibaetis Duns and Spinners may appear. Of course, beetles and ants can be good midday with a wind chop.
The Big Wood
The Wood is settling into its base level flows making it easy to move about the river. The best fishing is in the early morning into midday. The hatches remain strong during the most pleasant time of day, but once the heat settles in the bugs disappear. It seems like the bigger fish disappear this time of year as well, but persistent anglers will find a few. You can expect to see a mix of mayflies, micro caddis, and craneflies. While most of the bugs this time of year are small, hoppers are starting to turn fish.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows seem to be coming down. They are currently about 380 CFS, which is still very high. Give this another week and see if the flows drop to 300 CFS or lower. Still, if you decide to give it a go, you will find decent Baetis, PMDs, and Tricos hatching throughout the morning and dwindling in the afternoon. Craneflies are also skittering about and can draw a vicious strike.
Upper Big Lost
The Upper Lost on the main stem is fishing well. The East Fork is low, but is still fishing below Wildhorse. The hatches are thin, but hoppers are bouncing about and some spruce moths are fluttering around. As always, the anglers who are most successful cover a lot of ground.
Salmon
Flows are low, but floating the lower river is still doable. There are decent walk and wade opportunities all along the river from above Stanley all the way down to Clayton. Spruce moths and hoppers are keeping the fish looking up.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows remain at 1600 CFS. Drifting is still your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. The Salmon flies appear to be done, but Pink Alberts and hatching in the afternoon. In the evening, the caddis take center stage.
Local Ponds
It is 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 | 131 cfs |
| Big Wood | 172 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 406 cfs |
| Salmon | 590 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1600 cfs |
