Photo by Bob Knoebel
“It ain’t the heat, it’s the humility.”
– Yogi Berra
As the temperatures rise, remember to maintain your humanity and humility. You may not be the only one escaping the heat by spending time in a river. Also, be sure to check the temps and keep the fish wet.
Silver Creek
The Creek has been transitioning from a midday to an early and late fishery as a result of the heat wave this week. While we are about a week or two away from full blown Tricos, a small number have been spotted around the Loving Creek area now that the summer heat has arrived. The main morning hatch is still very small Baetis mixed with a few Callibaetis. The hatch can happen any time during early to late morning depending on air temps. In the afternoon, Blue Damsels take the stage in the slower portions of the Creek. Of course, beetles and ants are good flies to try during the heat of the day or if the wind blows. Late in the evening, after the sun has left the water, expect a very brief explosion of insect activity and feeding fish.
Big Wood
The Wood is ready! While still very high, especially mid valley, wet wading is a great way to beat the heat. Surprisingly, small numbers of Green Drakes can still be found on the Wood up and down the river, but are mainly North of town and should peter out this week. Before and after the Drakes hatch, or if you just don’t see any bugs, try searching the shallows with a dry dropper rig, a double nymph rig, or a streamer. You will also see plenty of caddis, PMDs, and Flavs. While exploring the Wood, remember to be kind to your fellow anglers, respect private property, and always return the trout to the water as quickly as possible as water temps rise.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are holding at around 1200 CFS. This is a floatable level, and there are some wade fishing opportunities along the road though they are limited. There is still the possibility of seeing large stoneflies, but caddis and Pink Alberts are also present.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows seem to have stabilized around 500 CFS. At 500 CFS fishing access is limited and wading difficult to impossible beyond a few easy access runs. If you decide to give it a go, you will find decent baetis, PMDs, yellow sallies, and golden stones hatching throughout the day.
Upper Big Lost
The East, West, and North Fork have been fishing well, and the Main Stem is ready to explore. While still high, it is possible to cross in places. Expect a nice mix of bugs and some picky trout as they have seen some pressure this last few weeks.
The Salmon
This river is prime for floating and walk and wade fishermen. You will find a good mix of bugs hatching throughout the day and these fish tend to prefer dries over nymphs. Additionally, the Yankee Fork Dredge Ponds, Kids Creek Pond, Stanley Lake, or Alturas Lake have all been recently stocked if you are looking for an alternative to the river.
Local Ponds
It is time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
Silver Creek: PMDs | Beatis | Callibeatis | Damsels | Crane Flies | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails
Big Wood: Green Drakes | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | Caddis Larva | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Yellow Sallies | Green Drakes | Stimulators | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon River: 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
| Silver Creek | 100 cfs |
| Big Wood | 339 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 529 cfs |
| Salmon | 1210 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1200 cfs |
