Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing Forecast
July 31 – August 7

Anglers can learn to accept uncertainty, embrace unpredictability, and live in the moment. However, whether to fish or not is never in question.

Silver Creek

The cooler weather has been a welcomed relief; however, the change has made the morning hatch unpredictable. Some reports have shared stories of sustained spinner falls while others report merely spotty insect activity. Either way, anglers need to be prepared with an array of flies. In the morning be sure to have every phase of the Trico’s life cycle as well as Baetis, Callibaetis, and PMDs. Match the moment with the right bug to fool the fish in front of you. As the day warms, be ready with damsels, hoppers, beetles, and ants. Nymphs or streamers are always worth trying. In the evening, expect a bug stewn including mosquitoes. As we head into August, be sure to up your game and lower your expectations when fishing the Creek.

Big Wood

The fishing is really good if you can get away from the easy access points. While there are a good number of small fish, quality fish can be found by persistent anglers. The lower river is seeing a midmorning Trico hatch as well as caddis and crane flies. The Upper river has a mix of Baetis, Pink Alberts, caddis and Flavs. Hoppers are a good bet up and down the river. Water temps are much better with the recent cool down and wet wading is perfect in the afternoon.

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 on the upper river, but caddis, Pink Alberts, Flavs, and crane flies are the mainstay for these late July trout. Hoppers are also taking some fish.

The Lost Below Mackay

The flows seem to be coming down. They are currently about 450 CFS, which is still very high. Give this another week and see if the flows stabilize aroind 300 CFS. Still, 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. Craneflies are also skittering about and can draw a vicious strike.

Upper Big Lost

The flows are ready on the main stem for exploration. The Upper East Fork is getting low, but below Wildhorse the water is perfect. The North Fork has been stocked in the upper reaches and is fun small Creek fishing. Depending on where you are, you will find a variety of bugs from spruce moths to Tricos.

The Salmon

Flows are low, but floating the lower 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. Spruce moths and hoppers are keeping the fish looking up.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon have all been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season.