Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing Forecast
September 10 – 17

Photo By: Alex Long

A keen eye and intuition give the angler sight beyond vision. Do you see it?

Silver Creek

It is transition time on the Creek. With the cooler weather, the large browns will start moving and become more aggressive in preparation of the fall spawn. And the cooler water temps will also change up the hatches and their timing. To start with, you may see a smattering of Tricos and decent numbers of Baetis. This will occur sometime after 10 am and may even get pushed into the early afternoon. The typical midday/ afternoon hatch will be Callibaetis and this should continue through the end of September. For this hatch, have a good selection of Callibaetis patterns (size 16 and 18) in multiple stages of this insect’s life: nymphs, emergers, cripples, duns, and spinners. When the breeze puts a chop on the water, terrestrials can be fantastic. Lastly, with cooler weather, it will not be long and we will see some Mahogany Duns along with October caddis.

The Big Wood

The Wood is fishing better with the cool weather from mid morning and into the late afternoon. You may find some Tricos on the lower reaches; however, like the Creek, the Wood is transitioning into Fall mode. Over the next several weeks, expect Fall Baetis to become more prevalent. We will also start to see more Red Quills (Hecuba), especially with cooler days in the forecast. Additionally, you will find a good assortment of caddis, crane flies, and fly ants fluttering around into the late afternoon. Nymphing is really productive this time of year with a dry dropper rig or Euro Style.

Big Lost below Mackay

The flows remain at 275 CFS, a very wadable level. We may see the flows continue to decrease as the demand for water drops over the next week. You will still find Tricos mixed with Baetis hatching as the day warms up, and giant crane flies will be skittering about. In the afternoon the bug activity slows dramatically and nymphing can keep your rod bent with small Baetis nymphs or midge patterns.

Upper Big Lost

The water is low and cold on the Upper Lost, so if you go, plan on covering a lot of water and focus on the areas where there is enough depth and structure to hold fish. You will find the same bugs here as you find on the Wood, and the fish tend to be very focused on the surface. To be successful, be sure to make your first cast count.

Salmon

The Salmon has been fishing very well, and should continue once the Red Quills and October Caddis get started. If you go, expect the water to be low and cold. No need to start too early. There is a possibility that the water could go off color if it rains, so check the flows and weather forecast before committing to the drive.

South Fork of the Boise

The flows are around 600 CFS, which is perfect for wade fishing. Best to leave the boat at home. Expect some Flavs, Baetis, caddis, and possibly Pinks hatching midday into the evening. Nymphing can be a good option when no bugs are present. Euro Nymphing the shallower dancing water has been very effective for whitefish and trout.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have all been stocked recently and are a great option as we head into fall.

Silver Creek: October Caddies 14,12 | Mahogany Duns 16 | Baetis. 20-24 | Tricos 22-24 | Callibaetis 16,18 | Terrestrials | Damsels | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers

Big wood: Caddies 16,18 | Baetis 20,22 | Red Quills (Hecuba) 12 | Hoppers | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers

Big Lost: Tricos 20,22 | Baetis 18,20 | Red Quills (Hecuba) 12 | Crane Flies | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Salmon: Hoppers | Red Quills (Hecuba) 12 | Caddis 16,18 | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers 

South Fork of the Boise: Pink Alberts 16 | Hoppers | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers