“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
– Anne Lamott
There is no better way to unplug than to spend a day fishing.
Silver Creek
Despite the weak morning hatches, fishing the Creek remains decent. Good numbers of fish are spread throughout the entire Preserve as fish seem to be seeking cooler water temps. The lower Creek around Point of Rocks is seeing high water temps in the afternoon and should be avoided. If you do go, the morning Trico hatch hopefully will continue to build this week. The day typically begins with a few Callibaetis spinners and a smattering of Trico Duns on the water. As the morning progresses, Baetis spinners make an appearance followed by a brief Trico spinner fall. Fish pods are far and few between, but if you do find feeding trout they are more than likely eating more Baetis spinners than Tricos. Once the morning activity subsides, Blue Damsels as well as Callibaetis Duns and Spinners may appear. Of course, hoppers, beetles, and ants can be good midday with a wind chop.
Big Wood
The flows seem to be at base summer levels, and the Wood looks and is fishing great. In the late afternoon water temps on the lower reaches of the Wood have been hitting 68 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is best to seek cooler water up stream. The hatches ( a mix of caddis, PMDs, and Tricos) remain strong during the most pleasant time of day, but once the heat settles in the bugs disappear. With the lower flows, stealth and smaller bugs are the key to success.
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 limited. There is still the possibility of seeing large stoneflies, but caddis, Pink Alberts, Flavs, and crane flies are also present. Hoppers are also taking some fish.
The Lost Below Mackay
The flows seem to fluctuate between 500 and 550 CFS. At this level, 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, and Tricos hatching throughout the morning and dwindling in the afternoon.
Upper Big Lost
The West, North, and East Fork, as well as Wildhorse, are fishing well despite an uptick in pressure. The main stem is still high, but ready to explore. As always, the anglers who are most successful cover a lot of ground.
The Salmon
Even though flows are low, floating the Salmon is still a great option. Also, there are decent walk and wade opportunities all along the river from above Stanley all the way down to Clayton. There are still a few golden stones in the air and spruce moths are becoming more prevalent.
Local Ponds
Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have all been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.
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: 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 | 114 cfs |
| Big Wood | 226 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 533 cfs |
| Salmon | 810 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1210 cfs |
