“Always play the hand you have, not the one you wish you had.”
– Garry Tan
When the hatch wanes, the wind wails, or the current runs swift, the best anglers don’t complain; they simply adjust.
Silver Creek
The recent storm cycle is delivering a mix of much needed rain and snow to the area around Silver Creek. Check the forecast and as long as there is a streak of warmer days it would be worth a visit. You may find some surface activity during the pleasant part of the day; however, slow drifting suspended nymph or swinging a lightly weighted bugger off the bank, over the shallow shelves, and through the buckets is the best approach. Remember, the Nature Conservancy is closed for the season; however, downstream of Kilpatrick Bridge remains open until the end of March and from the Highway 20 bridge through Point of Rocks to the confluence of the Little Wood is open year round.
The Big Wood
This storm cycle is bringing some snow to the Valley floor, so some parking access points might require a 4×4. Expect the winter midge activity on the Wood to be decent, especially on cloudy days. No matter what the day gives you weatherwise, go with a good supply of midge patterns: Trailing Shuck Midge, Griffiths Gnats, Parachute Adams, beaded and non beaded Zebra Midge. If you find trout feeding on the surface, try a double dry set up with an easy to see dry trailed by a smaller midge imitation. If you find finicky trout, try a small non beaded midge just below the surface film. Of course, for those times when nothing is happening on the surface, try a dry dropper rig or deep nymphing with an indicator or Euro Style.
Big Lost below Mackay
If you want to spend a day fishing, then make the trek through Arco and over to the Lost. The flows are steady at 73 CFS, making for easy wading and access. You will see a midday midge hatch with a few Baetis in the mix. The fish will be feeding voraciously in anticipation of the spring spawn. In fact, with the mild winter there may already be a few fish staging on redds. Bring a good assortment of midge and Baetis dries and nymphs and try dry dropper rigs or Euro style.
South Fork of the Boise
The river is holding steady at 300 CFS. The fishing is fantastic in late February and March, and this area is definitely worth the drive for a full day of fishing. Remember, it closes at the end of March, like the Wood. Of course, with the recent storm cycle, take a vehicle that can handle the conditions in the canyon. Surface activity can be unpredictable, but those willing to dead drift a nymph or swing a streamer will be rewarded. For dries, standard Baetis and adult midge patterns work well.
Salmon
Seems early, but it is time to start prepping for steelhead. Since the river did not ice up like it normally does we may start seeing fish a couple weeks early. Stay tuned.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big wood: Baetis 20,22 | Midge 22,24 | Small Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 115 cfs |
| Big Wood | 204 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 73.1 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 304 cfs |
| Salmon | 502 cfs |
