Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing ForecastAugust 19-26

Photo: James Conrad

“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant — there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing.”

– Georgia O’Keeffe

Every cast counts, whether or not it ends in a fish. The value isn’t in the outcome. It’s in the act of reaching toward something and discovering, one presentation at a time, where the next cast should go.

Silver Creek

Starting Aug. 24th, the Kilpatrick Bridge and access to the Preserve from the east side will be closed for construction. Construction on the bridge, as well as dredging the Pond, is scheduled to run through January 4th. During this time there will be several different closures in place—float tube access, recreational floating, waterfowl hunting, parking, and hiking. Questions about the bridge replacement should be directed to Blaine County at (208) 788-5500 or blainecountyid.gov. Questions about the dredging project should be directed to the Silver Creek Alliance at director@silvercreekalliance.org or (208 ) 720-4525. For questions about access to the Silver Creek Preserve please contact (208) 788-7910. As for the fishing, there are still a few Tricos in the morning; however, Baetis have been the main attraction. Depending on your location, you may also see Callibaetis duns and spinners in the afternoon. August Callibaetis are much smaller than the June variety, and there will be a simultaneous emergence and spinner fall, so be sure to have the full array of 16 and 18 patterns to match. Terrestrials are also effective in the afternoon if the winds pick up.

The Big Wood

The Wood is very low and the fishing has improved with the cooler water temps. For those willing to walk, your best bet is to cover some ground and find less pressured water. Approach the water’s edge with stealth because the larger fish are spooky and may only give you one shot. Bugwise, you can expect to see a mix of Tricos, Baetis, spruce moths, and crane flies. Hoppers will turn fish as well and small nymphs trailed below are always a good bet.

Big Lost below Mackay

At the moment, flows are around 350 CFS and falling. As air temperatures drop you can expect the reservoir to turn over; when it does the flows will go off color, but clarity should return as the sediment settles. There is still a decent morning Trico hatch mixed with some Baetis. In the afternoon, the fishing can slow down considerably once the hatch is done, but nymphing will produce fish.

Upper Big Lost

The North Fork turned muddy again from last week’s rain. Once the water clears, the main stem of the Lost is your best choice. No need to start too early as the morning temps have been chilly. As the day warms, you will find a few Tricos and a mix of other small mayflies, craneflies, and midge. Spruce moths and hoppers have also been productive.

Salmon River

There are floating and fishing mitigations in place to protect spawning salmon, so please check with the shop or the SNRA headquarters before you go. Spruce Moths are still a solid dry fly choice in the morning and hoppers are a good option in the afternoon. With the low flows, floating is best for rubber rafts on the lower river; however, anglers can find good walk and wade opportunities.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows have dropped to 800 CFS. Boaters and waders will be sharing the water, so please be respectful of each other’s water. While the hatch activity has been sparse, Pink Alberts are present in the afternoon and a variety of caddis as well, both early and late. Hoppers are also turning fish.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.

Recommended Flies

Silver Creek	100 cfs
Big Wood	142 cfs
Big Lost Below Mackay	321 cfs
South Fork of the Boise	814 cfs
Salmon	511 cfs

Sun Valley Area
Fly Fishing Forecast
August 19-26