“Perhaps I should not have been a fisherman, he thought. But that was the thing that I was born for.”
– Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea
All anglers encounter hardships along the way. It is in these moments that one discovers that it is more than just a hobby.
Silver Creek
The Creek has been fishing well despite the rollercoaster weather pattern. After another midweek cooldown, stable weather appears to be in the forecast. Anglers will see a few Tricos, but the early morning hatch activity has shifted to late morning and consists mostly of Baetis. Callibaetis duns and spinners are bouncing around in the afternoon, especially in the pond. Hoppers, ants, and beetles are all working when the wind blows and nymphing is always productive. The browns are getting randy in preparation for the fall spawn. When the conditions are right, they will aggressively chase a streamer.
Big Wood
The Wood is low and the fishing has been technical, but rewarding. If you employ stealth matched with delicate presentations, you will find some fantastic trout. Expect to find Baetis, caddis, PMDs as well as flying ants and hoppers all turning fish. Small nymphs and streamers are also worth a try. Keep on the lookout for the last big mayfly of the year, the Hecuba (Red Quill). Once this bug arrives, the fish seem to prefer it.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows started coming down this week. Traditionally they drop to around 600 to 500 CFS and stabilize for a week or two before dropping all the way down to 300 CFS for the winter by mid September. These flows are better for walk and wade anglers, so it is best to leave the boat behind. You can expect to find Pinks, Baetis, caddis, craneflies and the usual array of terrestrials.
The Lost Below Mackay
Flows are bouncing up and down but at the moment they are around 370 CFS. These flows make the river accessible for strong wade anglers. There are plenty of small and medium size trout in the riffles and buckets, as well as a good number of larger ones to sight fish for along the shallow edges of runs. Tricos and Baetis are the main midmorning fare and craneflies are always a good option. Nymphing with small, drab patterns can fool finicky trout.
Upper Big Lost
The water, like the Wood, is low and clear. Focus on the deeper runs and be prepared to cover a lot of ground. There are still Tricos and an assortment of small mayflies around and a few Hecubas have been spotted in the lower reaches. Hoppers and flying ants are a good choice as well.
The Salmon
The Wapiti fire is encroaching on Stanley. Before you go fishing in this area be sure you have the latest updates.
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 | Hoppers | Crane Flies | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails
Big Wood: Caddis | PMDs | Tricos | Hoppers | Rubber Legged Stones | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Tricos | PMDs | Craneflies | 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 | Pink Alberts | Baetis
| Silver Creek | 91.5 cfs |
| Big Wood | 139 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 370 cfs |
| Salmon | 750 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 625 cfs |
