Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing Forecast
June 26-July 3

All the rivers in the Valley are beginning to come into tune for the summer. And the angler’s heart vibrates to these iron strings.

Silver Creek

The Creek is transitioning into its typical summer rhythm. Expect to see caddis and Baetis in the mornings mixed with a few PMDs and Callibaetis. If the wind blows in the afternoon, try beetles, ants, streamers, or nymphs. During the heat of the day, damsels are becoming more and more prevalent. It won’t be long and we will start to see Tricos. The Creek is going to start seeing more pressure as we head into July, so be sure to treat all the anglers you encounter with respect.

Big Wood

The Wood has bumped up a tad with the recent heat; the flows are around 700 CFS. If you are willing to move around, you can find some fishing opportunities. Look for side channels and easy access banks, but it is still too high to wade across. Green Drakes have been spotted mid valley and should continue to move up river this week. The fishing is going to be fantastic on the Wood this summer, we just need a bit of patience as flows continue to come down. Remember, Warm Springs is the first tributary to drop to fishable levels and is very wadable at the moment.

South Fork of the Boise

The flows are holding at just above 1,200 CFS. This is ideal for drift boating, but still difficult for wade fishermen. The fishing has been improved with large stonefly patterns and streamers. The Salmon fly hatch has begun and the evening caddis has been amazing.

The Lost Below Mackay

The flows are very unpredictable at the moment. In general, at 350 CFS strong waders can make their way around the river; however, at 500 CFS fishing access is limited and wading difficult to impossible. If you find a window where flows are acceptable, you will find decent bugs (baetis, PMDs, stoneflies) hatching midday.

Upper Big Lost

The main stem is still too high to fish for a full day outing, but an adventurous angler may find a slow spot to wet a line on either the East or North Fork. Again wading is difficult and crossing can only be done with caution. Expect to see a mix of mayflies, caddis and stones. Green drakes should be around as well.

The Salmon

This river is starting to hit its prime for floating. And wade fisherman can find spots along the river as well, especially above Redfish. If your idea of a good time is drifting down a river, casting large stonefly imitations to the bank, now is the time.

Stillwater

Magic, Mackay, and the Little Wood reservoir remain good options; however, the water temps are starting to rise and the fish will seek cooler water. All these stillwaters can be fished either from the bank, a float tube, or a boat. Of course, always be leery of heavy afternoon winds if you choose to boat or tube. Pulling leech patterns or suspending chironomids have been effective.

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.