Perhaps Mr. Green has never been fly fishing. The anticipation, the doing, and the memories of the thing are all good.

Silver Creek

The Nature Conservancy and Kilpatrick Pond will open on Saturday, May 23rd. The Preserve is celebrating its 50 year anniversary and will be hosting a BBQ on Saturday, May 23rd from 11am to 2pm. There is plenty of room to spread out and fish; nevertheless, expect a social fishing experience. Rest assured, the crowds will thin after the busy holiday weekend. As for the fishing, look for PMDs with some Baetis during the morning followed by Callibaetis duns and spinners as the day warms. Nymphing and streamers will be effective too. Brown Drakes are possible over the next few weeks; their timing will all depend on the weather. Still, we expect them to be early this year so stay tuned.

The Big Wood

The Wood and all its tributaries will open May 23rd. Flows on the Wood peaked at just under 1700 CFS in mid-May and have steadily dropped after a cold front settled on the region. With the warmer temps in the forecast, we can expect another spike in flows. The Wood will have limited fishing during the opener and over the next week. Stick to the side channels and do not attempt to wade.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows have been up and down, but are currently just over 2000 CFS. This is a good flow for expert drift boaters, but wade fishing is limited. The fishing is typically slow until the Salmon fly hatch in mid to late June. Still you will find caddis already hatching in the evening and the nymphing with large stones should be decent. Remember, many fish will still be activity spawning in the side channels.

Big Lost

The river below Mackay is currently over 500 CFS. At these flows the river has limited access. Best to wait until this comes down to around 300 CFS. Trail Creek Pass will open this weekend and the upper river will be very high with limited fishing opportunities.

Salmon River

Over the last week the river has dropped from a peak at 4000 CFS to around 2300 CFS. This will be very good in another couple weeks once the stoneflies start hatching.

Stillwater

This is a good time to go explore a local reservoir. Check out Mackay, the Little Wood, or Magic if you are looking for a solitary fishing experience. You might also consider a trip to Duck Valley outside of Mountain Home. Pick a day when the winds are at a minimum and try suspending chironomids or pulling leeches on a sinking line.

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

Big Lost: PMDs | Stoneflies | Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers

Big Wood: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

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

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

Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs

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