There is no need to discard a lifetime of accumulated skill; however, breaking the dam of habit allows the river, and the angler, a chance to be new again.

Silver Creek

A few Tricos can be found tacking flight in the morning, and it won’t be long until clouds of bugs will be in the air. In the meantime, you will still find a mix of Caddis, Baetis, Callibaetis, and damsels depending on where you decide to fish. With a warm week in the forecast, expect the bugs to come early during the coolest time of day. Once the afternoon winds pick up, terrestrials are a good bet. Nymphing has been effective during the light feeding periods early and late.

The Big Wood

There should be a few Green Drakes around for another week, especially on the upper river. Even if no Drakes are to be found, large mayfly patterns will continue to move fish; however, it is time to downsize your fly to turn a rejection into a take. Other bugs you might find will include a nice mix of caddis, PMDs, and crane flies mid-morning, but dwindling as the day heats up. With flows dipping below 400 CFS, moving about the river has become easier, and you should be able to find fresh water to fish if you get away from the easy access points. We are heading into another busy week, so please be respectful to other anglers and private property. Also, be mindful of water temps and release the trout immediately back to the water.

Big Lost below Mackay

For the first time this summer, flows are down to around 400 CFS.  At 400 CFS, fishing access is limited, and wading is doable for experienced anglers.  If you decide to give it a go, you will find decent Baetis, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and golden stones hatching in the AM, with angling slowing as the day warms.

Upper Big Lost

The East, West, and North Forks have seen the bulk of the pressure the last few weeks, but it should continue to fish well for anglers willing to search for open water. The mainstem is still high; however, it is worth hole-hopping around as flows drop each day.  Once the water warms, you can expect a mix of caddis, PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and Golden Stones.

Salmon River

After a blowout last week, the river is in great shape for floaters and wade fishermen alike. There is a nice mix of bugs hatching throughout the day from a variety of stones, caddis, and PMDs. Following the holiday weekend, the local ponds and typical areas along the river have been recently stocked.

South Fork of the Boise

The South Fork is best fished from a drift boat with flows at 1600 CFS.  The Salmon Flies are on the way out, but Pinks and Caddis are now on the menu.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.

Silver Creek:Baetis 20-24 | PMDs size 14 | Callibaetis 16,14 | Tricos | Damsels | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers

Big Lost:PMDs size 16 | Yellow Sallies | Golden Stones | Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers

Big Wood: Green Drakes | Caddis | Golden Stones | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Southfork of the Boise: Stoneflies | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

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