“You can’t always get what you want/ But if you try sometime/ You’ll find/ You get what you need.”
– Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
Sometimes, you get both what you want and need. We need water and with the temps rising, so will the rivers. But if you want to fish, there are still some very good options.
The Big Wood
Anglers were finding fish over the weekend in the side channels and soft water. But the river has already gone up nearly 300 CFS from the weekend low of 650 CFS, and should continue to rise this week. We may not see flows as high as its peak in early May of 1700 CFS, but there is still a lot of snow yet to come down. With the exception of a few access points it will be difficult to fish for a full day outing on the stretch from Ketchum to Bellevue. Be patient; late June and July are going to be great.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are stable at 1200 CFS, perfect for floating. While the river was inundated with campers and floaters over the holiday, this week would be a good time to go. It is still too early for the Salmon fly hatch, there are plenty of caddis in the evening.
Silver Creek
The reports from the Creek during the opener have been positive. Plenty of fish, and anglers, but the crowds will dissipate. You should be able to find solitude on the Creek at least until the Brown Drake circus begins. With the elevated temps this week, it is very likely the Drakes will come the first week of June. In the meanwhile, PMDs and Baetis have been hatching mid morning. With the low water, lack of cloud cover, and very little weed growth, you can expect the fish to be skitish. But a well presented dry or nymph should get at least a look, if not a take. Don’t forget to sign in when on the Preserve, and be sure to release the fish quickly as water temps are already elevated.
The Lost Below Mackay
Flows are on the move as of the writing of this report. Once flows stabilize, this might be worth a look. Keep in mind once the flows go above 500 CFS, access is very limited and wading is difficult. If you do go over the pass, this can be a very buggy time of the year with a variety of stoneflies and PMDs hatching throughout the day. The Upper Lost will follow the same pattern as the Wood. While you can find a few places to wet a line, it will be too high for a full day adventure.
Salmon
Flows are back up, but this fishery may be ready to float in mid to late June. Stay tuned.
Stillwater
Mackay, Little Wood, and Magic reservoir are a great option. 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 | 98.3 cfs |
| Big Wood | 1030 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 374 cfs |
| Salmon | 2910 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 1190 cfs |
