“Sometimes I wish I could photosynthesize so that just by being, just by shimmering at the meadow’s edge or floating lazily on a pond, I could be doing the work of the world while standing silent in the sun.”
– Robin Wall Kimmerer
Standing or floating silent in the sun, amid the shimmering water, the angler does the quiet work of renewal and connection simply by being.
Silver Creek
The Creek continues to fish well and now that more options are opening up around the valley, it should see less pressure. Hatchwise, there are still a few PMDs, but Baetis and Callibaetis have been the most consistent bugs during the pleasant time of day. Nymphing remains the more productive technique, but there are plenty of targets for dry fly fishers.
The Big Wood
The flows are dropping about 100 CFS every 24 hours and new fishing opportunities continue to open up. That said, wading and access is still limited. But fishing above town or up Warm Springs or Trail Creek is doable while the main stem of the river is still pushy. There are large Stoneflies mixed with Caddis, PMDs, and Grey Drakes depending on where you are on the river. While there are no Green Drakes yet, keep a few in your box as they will be early this year. Running a streamer or a team of nymphs through a bucket or soft water has been consistently successful.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows seem to be heading down so this area is worth keeping on your radar if flows stabilize. Once flows hit 350 CFS, strong waders can make their way around the river; however, at 500 CFS and above, fishing access is limited and wading difficult to impossible.
Upper Big Lost
Like the Wood, the upper reaches of the Lost are fishable, but wading is difficult. Focus on the East Fork above Wildhorse, the North Fork, and the West Fork. You will find a similar assortment of bugs here as well.
Salmon
The river is dropping fast and expert boaters have started floating. There are some limited wading options as well for those who want to hole hop with a vehicle. There have been large stoneflies once the day warms up. Keep in mind, the Chinook season is slated to open on the 19th so you can expect an array of anglers at the usual pullouts and buckets.
South Fork of the Boise
If you have a drift boat or a friend with one, this is a great place to spend a day fishing. Wade fishing is limited at these flows. The fish are large and the Salmon fly hatch should get going this week. In the evenings, caddis can be prolific.
Stillwater
Mackay, Little Wood, and Magic reservoir are all fishing well. You can fish from the bank, a tube, or a boat. Multiple methods work this time of year from pulling leeches or suspending buzzers. If floating, be aware that the afternoon winds are particularly strong this time of year so please exercise common sense.
Silver Creek: Caddies | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Callibaetis | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Caddis | PMDs | Golden Stoneflies | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Salmon Flies | Caddis | 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 | 110 cfs |
| Big Wood | 676 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 463 cfs |
| Salmon | 1940 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1610 cfs |
