“Once you’ve started, you’re halfway there.”
– Horace
For those counting the days, the season opener is nearly upon us. For those who can’t wait, there are several decent fishing opportunities to take advantage of right now. Either way, you are halfway there.
The Big Wood
Flows peaked at just over 1700 CFS during the early May heat wave, but cooler temps have returned and flows are coming down. There is still plenty of snow yet to come down and it is a tad too early to say what the water will be doing during the opener on May 24th. However, you can expect the Wood to be very high and potentially off color. There may be some limited fishing opportunities in the side channels.
South Fork of the Boise
Expect the flows to be around 2500 CFS on opening weekend (May 24th). These are high flows and only expert drift boat anglers should attempt to float. Wade access will be very limited. Hatches will be sparse at best and many fish will be spawning in the side channels.
Silver Creek
Silver Creek from the Highway 20 bridge down to its confluence with the Little Wood is now open year-round and has been popular with the local anglers looking to wet a line. We are a few weeks away from the Brown Drake madness on this portion of the Creek, but there has been some decent Baetis and a chance of seeing some early season PMDs. If no bugs are present, try slow drifting suspended nymphs or swinging a weighted streamer off the bank, over the shallow shelves, or through the buckets. The Creek above Highway 20 will open on May 24th.
The Lost Below Mackay
Flows are up to 400 CFS and climbing. Best to wait until flows stabilize or come down in late July to fish this area.
Stillwater
Mackay, Little Wood, and Magic reservoir are a great option while the rivers in the region are either closed or experiencing high water. 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 in the spring so please exercise common sense.
Silver Creek: Midge | Baetis | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 129 cfs |
| Big Wood | 1410 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 409 cfs |
| Salmon | 3980 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 2520 cfs |
