Fly fishing isn’t about stepping into a river as an outsider. It’s about realizing you never stepped out in the first place.

Silver Creek

The Nature Conservancy and Kilpatrick Pond remain closed for the season, but will open on Saturday, May 23rd. However, the Creek from the Highway 20 bridge to its confluence with the Little Wood remains open and has been fishing well. On the unseasonably warm days you can expect PMDs in the morning followed by Callibaetis duns and spinners. On cool blustery days, expect the hatch timing to shift until the afternoon and you will find more Baetis in the mix. Light nymphing is effective too, but the weed growth is already making that tricky.

The Big Wood

The Wood and all its tributaries remain closed until May 23rd. Flows on the Wood peaked at 927 CFS in early April, dropped to just over 500 in late April, and is back up again to around 1400 CFS. There is another cool front, or two in the forecast for the second half of May, but it appears that we will have high water for the opener. It is likely that it will be fishable in the side channels towards the end of the month, but wading will be limited. Stay tuned and follow this report for updates as we get closer to the opener.

South Fork of the Boise

Like the Wood, the South Fork is closed until May 23rd. Flows have been bumped, so expect it to be perfect for drift boats, with limited wading options during the opener.

Big Lost below Mackay

This fishery is open year round but flows have been bumped. As of the writing of this report they have reached over 400 CFS and may continue to climb. Once it goes over 500 CFS it is very difficult to wade for most anglers.

Stillwater

This is a good time to go explore a local reservoir. Check out Mackay, the Little Wood, or Magic if you are looking for a solitary fishing experience. You might also consider a trip to Duck Valley outside of Mountain Home. Pick a day when the winds are at a minimum and try suspending chironomids or pulling leeches on a sinking line.

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

Big Lost: Baetis 18,20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers

Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs

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