“People are always looking for the single magic bullet that will completely change everything. There is no single magic bullet. Progress is about bridging the gap between what we observe and what we can imagine — one careful step at a time.”
– Temple Grandin
Observe the wind, the light, the currents, the bugs, the disposition of the trout. Imagine the cast, the drift, the take, the set, the surge from the first run. Magic happens when knowledge, skill, and imagination meet the moment.
The Big Wood
With high pressure dominating the weather pattern, the temperatures have been chilly. Above Warm Springs, there are a few open runs, but the ice along the edges makes fishing in this area both difficult and unsafe. Below the confluence of Warm Springs, the warmer water and exposure to the sun have left this stretch mostly open, offering decent fishing opportunities. It’s best to wait until around noon to hit the water and dress in layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures. Fishing typically slows down once the sun leaves the water and the temperatures plummet. Expect minimal surface feeding, but the midge activity should increase as we head into February. Fly wise, keep it simple with a selection of midge dries and wets. A few larger, and sometimes flashy, flies will also take fish. Always release fish immediately and learn how to use a Ketchum release. You
Silver Creek
The Nature Conservancy is closed this time of year, but the fishing below the Kilpatrick bridge will remain open until the end of March. With the cold temperatures of late, there is a lot of ice on the edges of the Creek and it is difficult to effectively fish the open areas. It would be wise to let the ice dissipate before attempting to fish here. Warmer weather is in the forecast.
The Lost Below Mackay
While it requires a bit of windshield time through Arco and up to Mackay, the drive is well worth it. Approach this water using the same tactics as you would on the Wood. With the current low water levels, you’ll find fish concentrated in classic winter water. It is best to use stealth in your approach to holding water and give the bucket a rest every so often. If you rotate through a variety of small midge patterns and some junk flies, you should be able to keep the fish interested.
South Fork of the Boise
If you do go, prepare for winter travel; take your 4×4, a set of chains, a sleeping bag, and some food in case you get stuck. The fishing window is short down in the canyon, but you can expect your typical winter fare of midge and a smattering of BWO. As the days get longer in February and March, this fishery really gets good again.
Silver Creek: Midge | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Wood: Midge | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Caddis Larva | Stoneflies | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 192 cfs |
| Big Wood | 128 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 69 cfs |
| Salmon | 982 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 308 cfs |
