“A trout is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it.”
– Arnold Gingrich
If you seek liquid and light mixed with crimson, emerald, black, gold and silver, what might you find? You find a moment in the presence of beauty; in short, a miracle.
Silver Creek
Wintry conditions are in the forecast; however, the Creek will still have a short window of decent fishing. Expect to see a mix of Baetis and midge activity late in the day. Cloudy days will give you the best shot at surface action, but nymphing, slow and deep will generally be more productive. Keep in mind that the Nature Conservancy will close at the end of November. Fishing will remain open from Kilpatrick Bridge down through the Willows and the Point of Rocks. On a side note, please avoid wading through the brown trout redds until late March.
The Big Wood
The trout on the Wood are enjoying this last bit of warm weather but will soon be concentrated in their winter holding water as the cold weather settles into the Valley. Expect the Baetis and caddis hatches to dissipate. You may still find some midge activity late in the day, but finding rising fish will be difficult. For flies, try small beaded midge and perdigon patterns, or opt for larger patterns like Rubber Leg Stones, San Juan Worms, or streamers. Keep in mind that as water temperatures drop, the takes can be very subtle, so paying attention to strike detection is key. Also, be sure to hook, land, and release fish as quickly as possible to minimize stress, as their metabolisms slow dramatically in cold water.
Big Lost below Mackay
Trail Creek Pass will close the 15th of November. You will need to drive through Craters of the Moon to Arco and turn up to Mackay. The Lost River is running low and the fish have been quite spooky. At this level, fish are concentrated in the deeper runs and riffles at the heads of these runs. Stealth is key—approach carefully for the best chances of success. While you may see some Baetis hatching, expect midges to be more prevalent in the afternoons.
Salmon
It is very cold in Stanley this time of year, but fishing in the afternoon is still possible. Pick a pullout with some decent holding water. Don’t expect to see any bugs, but the trout will still eat nymphs and streamers.
South Fork of the Boise
A cool down is coming, so if you’re planning to head to the South Fork, make sure you’re prepared for wintery conditions. Ensure your 4×4 is equipped with studded snow tires and/or chains, just in case. It is not a bad idea to carry a sleeping bag, extra food, and water as well. As for fishing, flows are steady at 300 CFS, which makes for excellent walk-and-wade conditions. There’s a decent Baetis and Midge hatch in the late afternoon, and dry fly anglers can find fish rising in the slower, deeper stretches, selectively sipping until sundown. Nymphing remains productive as well.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big wood: Baetis 20,22 | Midge 22,24 | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 88.1 cfs |
| Big Wood | 160 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 57.4 cfs |
| Salmon | 595 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 300 cfs |
