Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing Forecast
August 21-28

Who am I to wish I wasn’t just the way I am? Without hesitation, I accept that as the river flows so must I. Our lives are intertwined.

Silver Creek

While there are still Tricos in the air between 8 and 10 am, the spinner fall is brief at best. While the Tricos are waning for the season, the Baetis have been strong and, depending on your location, you will also see Callibaetis duns and spinners. The late 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 the moment. There is a cool down in the forecast, so the timing of the hatch will depend on air temps. The change in weather has invigorated the browns and they are feeding aggressively in anticipation of the fall spawn. You will already see a few browns taking on the classic pumpkin orange color.

Big Wood

The Wood is low, very accessible, and the fishing has been good for those willing to put in the work. Your best bet is to walk away from the easy access points and find less pestered water. The fish are spooky so approach each run with caution. Follow the mantra “fish near to far, shallow to deep” to maximize your chances. You can expect to see a mix of Tricos, Baetis, spruce moths, and crane flies during the pleasant time of day. Hoppers will turn fish as well and small nymphs are always a good bet.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows remain at 1200 CFS. Typically flows start to come down mid September. In the meantime, drifting is still your best option with a few spots to wade along the roadside. The fish are leary of the standard hopper dropper approach; if floating try parking the boat and working the water with stealth. While the hatch activity has been sparse, you can expect Pink Alberts during the afternoon and a variety of caddis both early and late. Hopefully the cool down will get the fish going again.

The Lost Below Mackay

At the moment, flows are around 340 CFS. The flows are bouncing around, but the general trend seems to be that it is getting lower. Once the flows stabilize, the fishing will be great. 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 upper reaches of the East and West Fork are getting skinny. Nice fish can be found, but they are skittish in the clear shallow water. You should consider focusing on the main stem below the North Fork confluence. Search the deep, green runs and make your first presentations your best. No need to start too early as the morning temps have been in the 30s. Once the day warms, you will find a few Tricos and a mix of other small mayflies and midge. Spruce moths and hoppers have also been productive.

The Salmon

Please be aware that 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 the dry fly of choice most of the day and hoppers are a good option in the afternoon when the wind picks up. Now that the flows are so low, floating is best for rubber rafts; however, anglers can find good walk and wade opportunities up and down the river.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have all been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout August.

Silver Creek:  Tricos | PMDs | Beatis | Callibeatis | Damsels | Crane Flies | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails

Big Wood:  Caddis | PMDs | Tricos | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers

Big Lost: Tricos | PMDs | Yellow Sallies | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Salmon River: Spruce Moth | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

South Fork of the Boise: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers