“More details explain things more, but less details confuse things less.”
– David James Duncan
Rivers follow patterns which make forecasting easy. However, the weather can be unpredictable which makes forecasting difficult. Understanding this paradox, as well as the seasonal flux of water, confuses things less when it comes to deciding to fish or not to fish. Simply put, doing the thing is better than thinking about it. The readiness is all.
The Big Wood and South Fork of the Boise
Both are closed for the season but will reopen May 24th. The Wood is flowing high (400 CFS) as the low altitude snow melts, but the real runoff is yet to come down. You can expect the Wood to be very high and potentially off color on opening weekend. While there is a possibility of limited fishing opportunities in the side channels, it will certainly be unwadable for much of the first part of June. Expect flows to come into wadable shape the first or second week of July. As for the Southfork of the Boise, expect the flows to be somewhere between 1200 and 2000 CFS on opening weekend. These are good flows for drift boat anglers.
Silver Creek and Little Wood
The new regulations on the Creek are providing a great option for those looking for fishing close to home. Silver Creek from the Highway 20 bridge to its confluence with the Little Wood is now open year-round. Also, the Little Wood in the Bear Track Williams area is worth a look. Flows can go off color as the low altitude snow melts, so keep your eyes on the USGS stream gauge. If you go, you may find surface activity during the pleasant part of the day. This will consist of a mix of midge and mostly Baetis. However, slow drifting suspended nymphs or swinging a weighted streamer off the bank, over the shallow shelves, and through the buckets is a good idea.
The Lost Below Mackay
Flows have bounced up a bit to 94 CFS. As the reservoir begins to fill, these flows may continue to rise. Nevertheless, this fishery is open year round making it a great option for a full day outing. Now that the days are longer, it is worth the drive through Arco and up to Mackay. Look for a combination of midge and Baetis hatching in the afternoon. Take a good selection of midge in sizes 18-22 and Baetis in size 16-18 both dry and wet. Fish are spawning in the shallow riffles, so please wade with caution and leave them alone.
Upper Salmon Steelhead
The Steelhead are high in the system and the water remains mostly clear above Valley Creek. With the evening temperatures staying at or below freezing, water clarity should remain decent for the foreseeable future. If you go, keep in mind that this is a popular spring activity and there are plenty of anglers up and down the river. Also, remember that the season closes at the end of April. If you are interested, come on into the shop for the latest reports and to check our full selection of steelhead flies.
Stillwater
There is still some ice on the local reservoirs but it is beginning to recede especially in the upper reaches with the inflow of new water. Keep Mackay, the Little Wood, and Magic on your radar if you are looking for a solitary experience. You might also consider a trip to Duck Valley as the weather starts to improve.
Silver Creek: Midge | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 132 cfs |
| Big Wood | 593 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 93.1 cfs |
| Salmon | 1350 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1300 cfs |
