Photo: Hillary Maybery
“Rhythm was just as important as color and just as complicated. It was one rhythm superimposed upon another, our father’s four-count rhythm of the line and wrist being still the base rhythm… The canyon was glorified by rhythms and colors.”
– Norman Maclean
There is a chord that binds a river, a season, and a concert lawn: they are places where people linger to be inside a rhythm larger than themselves — and then let it go, trusting a return.
Silver Creek
Change is taking place on the Creek. While there are still some Tricos and a slew of Baetis in the mornings, the Creek is transitioning away from its typical mid-summer hatch pattern to a late summer pattern. Expect to see afternoon Callibaetis begin to gain momentum. The late summer Callibaetis are smaller than the June and July variety, so be sure to have spinners, duns, and emergers in 16 and 18. Of course, hopper, beetle, and ant patterns are going to continue to be important sources of food for hungry trout, especially if the wind blows in the afternoon. Cooler weather is also in the forecast, which should make for ideal late summer fishing conditions.
The Big Wood
The Wood is low and clear. Success depends on employing stealth; larger fish are very spooky and will only give you one chance to make an undetected presentation. Be prepared to cover a ton of water as well. This is a good time of year to pack a lunch and work from one access to another. You will encounter other anglers near the access points but can find water in between that sees very little pressure. Bugwise, you will still find a few Tricos and an array of caddis. In the afternoon, small hoppers and ants are a good bet. Micro nymphs are also working well.
Big Lost below Mackay
Flows are still lingering around 400 CFS, which limits access. In the morning you will still find plenty of Tricos and Baetis. Large craneflies are also still skittering about as well. The trout are well seasoned and can be selective this time of year. Fine tippets and precise presentations are key to success.
Upper Big Lost
While low, the main stem of the Upper Lost is your best bet. The better fishing has shifted back to mid-morning into the afternoon, as the morning temps have been in the 30s. Hoppers are turning fish if you are simply searching the water. However, smaller, more imitative caddis and mayfly patterns are working well on selective feeders. You often only get one shot, so make it count.
Salmon River
There are still some spruce moths fluttering around, as well as Tricos and caddis in the mornings. Hoppers are a good option in the afternoon. Floating is best for rubber rafts on the lower river, and adventurous anglers can find good walk-and-wade opportunities up and down the river.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows have dropped to around 1150 CFS. Fishing from a drift boat is still your best option, with a few spots to wade along the roadside. If floating, try hoppers with a nymph trailer along the banks. Expect Pink Alberts and Flavs during the afternoon, with a variety of caddis both early and late.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | PMDs size 14 | Callibaetis 16,14 | Tricos | Damsels | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: PMDs size 16 | Yellow Sallies | Crane Flies | Golden Stones | Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
Big Wood: PMDs | Caddis | Golden Stones | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Caddis | Spruce Moths | Hoppers | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: Pink Alberts | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 91.5 cfs |
| Big Wood | 140 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 416 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1150 cfs |
| Salmon | 477 cfs |
