Photo by Alex Long
“In English, there is no verb ‘to river’. But what could be more of a verb than a river?”
– Robert Macfarlane
When a river and an angler meet a sort of conjugation occurs. Grammatically speaking, to fly fish well is to river.
Silver Creek
The Brown Drake hatch is done for the season. However, you should carry some Drake patterns in your box as there is a chance of a few more duns or spinners in the lower reaches of the Creek thanks to the cooler weather the Valley experienced at the start of the week. Warmer weather is in the forecast and the Creek will fall into its typical early summer pattern over the next week with a mix of PMDs, Baetis, and Callibaetis. Hatch time will be dependent on air and water temps. With the low water and bright conditions, stealth will be your key to your success. In the afternoon, with the arrival of the wind, terrestrial fishing can be good. In general, it is time to lighten your tippet, lengthen your leaders, and make each cast count.
The Big Wood
Flows are fluctuating at the moment. With the return of the heat this week, it may bounce up again; however, this should be the last bump of runoff before the flows begin dropping. In the meanwhile, fishing can be done in places where the river braids and at the easy access points. Best not to wade or attempt to cross at these flows just yet. If you do find some fishable water, big bugs and streamers will entice trout. Soon we will be able to move about and Green Drakes are just around the corner.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows are bouncing up and down and in general remain too high for safe wading. Once flows hit 350 CFS strong waders can make their way around the river; however, at 500 CFS and above, fishing access is limited.
Upper Big Lost
Much like the Wood, flows are still high. However, it is a lovely place to have a family picnic. Pack a rod in case you find some soft water to ply a fly.
Salmon River
Flows dropped to under 2,000 CFS thanks to the cooler weather. There have been a few Salmon flies fluttering about. Once things warm up again the dry fly action should be very good.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows have stabilized at 1600 CFS. The fishing has been fair with large stonefly patterns and streamers. Be on the watch for the Salmon fly hatch as the summer heat returns this week.
Stillwater
Our local reservoirs should remain fishable as long as water temps stay in the 60s. Check out Mackay, the Little Wood, or Magic if you are looking for a solitary fishing experience. Pick a day when the winds are at a minimum and try suspending chironomids or pulling leeches on a sinking line.
Silver Creek: Brown Drakes | Baetis 20-24 | PMDs size 14 | Callibaetis 16,14 | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: PMDs | Stoneflies | Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
Big Wood: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 93.2 cfs |
| Big Wood | 791 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 695 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1510 cfs |
| Salmon | 1920 cfs |
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