Photo By: David Reiley
“Obsessions are the only things that matter.”
– Patricia Highsmith
While on the water, cracking the code demands presence. Let that focused, almost unreasonable attention be the point. Enjoy the process no matter the end.
Silver Creek
With the unseasonable warm weather, float tubing in Kilpatrick pond doesn’t sound so crazy. But floating days are numbered; the pond from the bridge down remains open through March 31st. However, Silver Creek from the Highway 20 bridge to its confluence with the Little Wood, will remain open and is a great walk and wade option when all the other rivers are closed or off color. With a keen eye you will find surface activity in the afternoons. Of course, slow drifting nymphs under a boober or swinging a lightly weighted bugger will produce.
The Big Wood
With spring break occurring around the country, March is a popular time on the Wood. Additionally, these are the last couple weeks to fish before it closes for the season and the locals know how good it can be. If you go, be respectful of other anglers and give each other space. Parking access is wide open up and down the river, and there is plenty of room to spread out and find fresh water. As for the fishing, the trout and the midge usually get active midday, so there is no hurry to hit the water. Cover likely water with a dry-dropper, Euro, or an indicator nymph set up. When you find surface feeders, be prepared to switch to a stealthier approach as these fish can be very selective. Use a long leader and light tippet with a trailing shuck midge or a non-beaded midge pattern just beneath the surface.
Big Lost below Mackay
This is a great option to avoid the crowds. The drive to the Lost is worth the four hours of windshield time from Ketchum and back. Hatch wise, expect a combination of midge and Baetis; on an overcast day, it can be spectacular. Bring a good selection of midge in sizes 18-22 and Baetis in size 16-18 both dry and wet. Some fish are already spawning in the shallow riffles so please wade with caution and let them be.
South Fork of the Boise
Like the Wood and portions of the Creek, this river closes on the last day of March. It fishes really well this time of year. At 307 CFS it is perfect for wading. You will find midge and some Baetis hatching during the warmest part of the day with some nice trout feeding in the riffles and bubble lines.
Upper Salmon Steelhead
The fish have arrived in the upper reaches of the river and the fishing has been fair and crowded. The temperatures are on the rise so water clarity may go off this week but clear again towards the end of March as cooler temps return. If you are interested, come on into the shop for the latest reports and to check our full selection of steelhead flies.
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big wood: Baetis 20,22 | Midge 22,24 | Small Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 175 cfs |
| Big Wood | 165 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 123 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 306.5 cfs |
| Salmon | 1110 cfs |
