“This day will never come again and anyone who fails to eat and drink and taste and smell it will never have it offered to them again in all eternity. The sun will never shine as it does today.”
– Hermann Hesse
Silver Creek
A wintry mix is forecast for late November—perfect fishing weather! Expect a short window of late-day hatch activity with a mix of Baetis and midges. Cloudy days offer the best surface action, but fishing nymphing patterns slow and deep will generally be most productive. Access & Closure Notes: The Nature Conservancy closes at the end of November, but downstream of the Kilpatrick Bridge remains open year-round. Kilpatrick Bridge and Preserve access from the east side are closed for construction. All float tube fishing on the Preserve is also closed. Construction and pond dredging run through January 4th. Contacts: Blaine County (Bridge): (208) 788-5500 or blainecountyid.gov. Direct questions about the dredging project to the Silver Creek Alliance at director@silvercreekalliance.org or (208 ) 720-4525. For questions about access to the Silver Creek Preserve, please contact (208) 788-7910.
The Big Wood
Trout are moving into winter holding water as temperatures drop. Hatches are dwindling, though you may find late-day midge activity. Simplify your fly boxes with small beaded midges, perdigones, Rubber Leg Stones, San Juan Worms, or streamers. Takes will be subtle in colder water, so focus on strike detection. Please land and release fish quickly to minimize stress.
Big Lost below Mackay
Trail Creek Pass closes on November 15th (alternate route: drive through Craters of the Moon to Arco, then up to Mackay). The Lost River is running low and fish are skittish, concentrating in deeper runs and riffles. Approach with stealth. Midges will be most prevalent in the afternoons, with occasional Baetis.
Salmon River
It is very cold in Stanley, but afternoon fishing is still viable. Focus on pull outs near decent holding water. Don’t expect surface activity, but nymphs and streamers will still produce.
South Fork of the Boise
Flows are steady at 300 CFS, making for excellent walk-and-wade conditions. Look for a decent Baetis and midge hatch in the late afternoon, with fish rising in slower, deeper stretches. Nymphing remains consistently productive. Travel Tip: Prepare for winter canyon conditions below Anderson. Ensure your 4×4 has studded snow tires or chains, and carry extra food, water, and a sleeping bag.
Recommended Flies
Silver Creek: Baetis 20-24 | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis 18, 20 | Midge 20-24 | Streamers
Big Wood: Midges | Stones | Streamers
Salmon: Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: Baetis | Midges | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 102 cfs |
| Big Wood | 163 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 66.3 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 295 cfs |
| Salmon | 477 cfs |
