“We never live; we are always in the expectation of living.”
– Voltaire
For those who have been waiting, it is time to fish.
The Big Wood
Flows have dropped all the way down to 700 CFS from a peak of 1700 CFS during the early May heat wave. Warmer temps are in the forecast and the flows will come up again. Nevertheless, there will be some fishable water during the opener on May 24th but it will be limited. Look for access around bridges and where the river braids. Of course, there will be spawning fish, so please avoid the redds. Also, wading should be done with caution and do not forget your wading belt. Bug wise, try big drys in the slow water and seams. Large rubber leg stones or streamers are a good bet as well.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows have dropped to 1200 CFS and they may hold here through opening weekend (May 24th). Best to check the flows before you go. These are perfect for drift boat anglers with limited wade access along the road. The water will be frigid making the hatches sparse at best and many fish will still be spawning in the side channels.
Silver Creek
Volunteers have been busy down at the preserve prepping the access and trails in anticipation of opening weekend. As is the tradition, The Conservancy Headquarters will be hosting an opening day celebration with food, drinks, music, wildflower hike, bird watching walk, and of course fishing. Obviously, this does draw a crowd, so enjoy connecting with old and new friends while fishing around the Preserve and Kilpatrick Pond. We are a couple weeks away from the Brown Drake madness on the Lower Creek, but there have been some decent Baetis and a chance of seeing some PMDs. If no bugs are present, the fish should be willing to look at any bug or technique you want to try.
The Lost Below Mackay
Below Mackay, flows have dropped to 350 CFS. This is a fishable level for strong waders and more than likely will start to go back up as the weather heats up and the inflow above the reservoir increases. This might be a good place to avoid the crowds on Silver Creek during the opener. There will be a few Baetis and PMDs around in the afternoon, but nymphing will be the way to go. Trail Creek Pass will be open and there may even be a few places on the Upper Lost to stop and wet a line, but like the Wood, flows will go up as warmer weather returns.
Salmon
There may be a few places above Stanley to access the river and catch a few trout or whitefish, but the lower river is too high and off color to float just yet. That said, floatable flows may come as soon as mid June depending on how quickly the remaining high altitude snow melts.
Stillwater
Mackay, Little Wood, and Magic reservoir are a great option. There will be plenty of boaters out during the holiday weekend, but the crowds should disappear by Monday. 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 this time of year so please exercise common sense.
Silver Creek: Midge | Baetis | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers | PMDs
Big Lost: Caddis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon: Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Baetis | PMDs | King Prince | Streamers | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones
Stillwater: Balance Leeches | Sheep Creek Special | Woolly Buggers | Seal Buggers | Chironomids | Damsel Nymphs | Prince Nymphs
| Silver Creek | 117 cfs |
| Big Wood | 717 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 356 cfs |
| Salmon | 2050 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1210 cfs |
