Photo: @ Sofia DeWolfe
“When one flower blooms spring awakens everywhere”
– John O’Donohue
Spring doesn’t arrive all at once on a river. It awakens quietly. Read the water and look for signs. Check clarity, flows, and temperatures. When ready, cast a question and wait for feedback: a bug emerges, a trout breaks the surface, a line tightens. Keep asking and witness the river bloom.
Silver Creek
The Nature Conservancy and Kilpatrick Pond are closed for the season and will reopen on May 23rd. However, Silver Creek from the Highway 20 bridge to its confluence with the Little Wood remains open. This is a great walk and wade option and the afternoon Baetis and midge hatch has been strong especially on cloudy days. Some anglers have reported seeing PMDs and caddis on the warm days. Of course, slow drifting nymphs under a bobber or swinging lightly weighted streamers is productive.
The Big Wood
The Wood and all its tributaries are closed until May 23rd. Flows on the Wood peaked at 927 CFS in early April and have dropped to just over 500 CFS now that cooler weather has dominated the second half of April. Once warmer temps return, the river should peak again and then quickly drop. It is likely that it will be fishable come opening weekend. Stay tuned and follow this report for updates as we get closer to the opener.
South Fork of the Boise
Like the Wood, the South Fork is closed until May 23rd. While flows
Big Lost below Mackay
Trail Creek Pass remains closed; however, the drive to the Lost through Arco is worth the trek from Ketchum and back. The flows are holding around 90 CFS, but may come up any day as demands for irrigation increase. Hatch wise, expect a combination of midge and Baetis. Bring a good selection of midge in sizes 18-22 and Baetis in size 16-18 both dry and wet. You will see spawning trout in the shallow riffles so please wade with caution and let them be.
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.
Upper Salmon Steelhead
The steelhead season has come to a close as of April 30.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 96 cfs |
| Big Wood | 536 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 93 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 300 cfs |
| Salmon | 1360 cfs |
