Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing Forecast
October 29 – November 12

Each fly in my box, rod in my quiver, and gadget I carry is an answer to some angling question. But having the right answers is not enough if I don’t seek the questions?

Silver Creek

November is the last month to fish the Creek in the Nature Conservancy. The Creek below the Kilpatrick Bridge, however, remains open year round. If you go, the best action is in the late afternoons. With the cooler temperatures you can expect a brief, but intense Baetis hatch late in the day. The fish are eager to feed, so any hatch activity will get the fish active. Nymphing with small midge and Baetis nymphs can be productive and streamers are turning fish as well. Because of the cold water temps, be sure to layer up. One final note: the Browns are still spawning. Leave these fish alone and please don’t wade through the redds.

The Big Wood

It is transition time on the Wood. With the cooler overnight lows, this means fewer bugs and a shorter fishing window. Also, the fish will gravitate towards the best holding water and move out of the fast flowing riffles. While some pleasant weather is still in the forecast, the Baetis hatch will dwindle, and midge become the primary food source as the trout adjust to winter-like temperatures. That said, you can simplify your fly boxes to a collection of midge patterns in different stages.

Big Lost below Mackay

At around 75 CFS, the wading is easy. You will find piles of fish in and around the buckets at this water level. Employ a stealthy approach and scan the water looking for feeding fish. Your first few casts will produce takes, but might spook the rest of the bucket. Give it a rest and come back and catch a few more or move to the next bucket. In the afternoon, there will be a short window of decent dry activity and more than likely the fish are eating Baetis or midge.

Upper Big Lost

This area will be covered in snow and Trail Creek Pass will be closed very soon (November 15th), so take advantage of it while you can. Cherry pick the best holding water and you are sure to find a few trout and whitefish. Streamers and small nymphs have been most productive.

Salmon

Despite the frigid cold, the fishing is still productive in the late afternoon. Pick a pull out with decent holding water and you will find good concentrations of rainbows, cutthroat, whitefish, and bull trout.

South Fork of the Boise

The river is holding at 295 CFS, perfect for wading. The cooler weather has concentrated the bug activity to the most pleasant time of day. Look for a mix of Baetis and midge in the afternoon. Before and after this window, nymphing is most productive.

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