Asking “How’s the fishing?” is the same as asking “How’s the river?”—which is the same as asking “How’s the world?” Wading in water helps you understand that you’re part of something larger than yourself — and always have been.

Silver Creek

The Creek is shifting into a more typical summer pattern. This means you will see Prairie Caddis and Baetis in the mornings mixed with a few PMDs and Callibaetis throughout the mid-morning. When the winds pick up, try beetles, ants, baby hoppers, streamers, or nymphs are a good bet. All bugs and techniques will work depending on the water you have in front of you. Damsels are also becoming more and more prevalent, especially in the sloughs and ponds. In a few weeks, we will start to see Tricos, and like the other hatches around the valley, they will be early. Keep in mind, the Creek will start seeing more pressure as we head into July, so be sure to treat all with respect. Also, Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG) will be conducting fish surveys within the waters of the Preserve June 23rd, 24th, 30th, and July 1st. Best to avoid the area on these dates.

The Big Wood

The Wood has seen its last surge of runoff for the year and has started to drop. Despite the lower flows, wading is still very pushy and crossing is limited. The lower flows also mean the hatch activity has been accelerated. Green Drakes have been spotted in both the lower and mid valley. They should continue to move up river this week. You may also see Golden Stones, caddis, and PMDs depending on where you are. While the dry fly fishing has been fantastic, nymphs and streamers have also been taking fish.

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 and wading difficult to impossible.

Upper Big Lost

The East Fork above Wildhorse, the North Fork, and the West Fork are fishing, but the water is still high. Like the Wood, wading is difficult but it is doable, especially if you have a wading partner. You will find an assortment of bugs hatching from caddis to stones.

Salmon River

The river is perfect for boaters, though still pushy. There are wading options as well for those who want to hole hop with a vehicle. There has been a nice mix of Golden Stones and caddis during the pleasant time of day. Keep in mind, the Chinook season is open so you can expect concentrations of anglers at the typical pullouts and buckets. It began on June 18 and runs daily through August 10, or until harvest quotas are reached.You might also consider the Yankee Fork Dredge Ponds, Kids Creek Pond, Stanley Lake, or Alturas Lake; they have all been recently stocked.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows are ideal for drift boat anglers with limited wading opportunities. These trout can be picky. Anglers who are willing to try smaller flies and get out of the boat and work the riffles and seams are most successful. The Salmon fly hatch is sputtering to a start and, in the evenings, caddis can be prolific. Also, there are quite a few cicadas buzzing around the canyon.

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: Baetis 20-24 | PMDs size 14 | Callibaetis 16,14 | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers

Big Lost: PMDs size 16 | Yellow Sallies | Stoneflies | Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers

Big Wood: Green Drakes | Caddis | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

Southfork of the Boise: Stoneflies | Baetis | PMDs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers

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