“The month of November makes me feel that life is passing more quickly. In an effort to slow it down, I try to fill the hours more meaningfully.”
– Henry Rollins
To fill the November hours more meaningfully, seek Wordsworthian “spots of time” in the company of rivers and their inhabitants.
Silver Creek
While wintry conditions are setting in, the Creek is still offering windows of Baetis and Midge action. Expect the hatch activity to be brief, isolated, and primarily late in the day. Cloudy days will give you the best shot at surface action, but nymphing, slow and deep will generally be more productive. If you dial in the right depth, you should find plenty of trout. Keep in mind that the Conservancy stretch down to Kilpatrick Bridge will close at the end of November. Fishing will remain open from Kilpatrick Bridge down through the Willows and the Point of Rocks until the end of March. On a side note, please avoid wading on the redds.
Big Wood
The trout on the Wood are already concentrated in their winter holding water. The Baetis and caddis hatches have tapered off, but you may still find some midge activity late in the day. As winter approaches, the fish are hungry, and if you time it right and find the right spot, you’ll be in for some good fishing. For flies, try small beaded midge and perdigon patterns, or opt for larger patterns like Rubber Leg Stones, San Juan Worms, or streamers. Keep in mind that as water temperatures drop, the takes can be very subtle, so paying attention to strike detection is key. Also, be sure to hook, land, and release fish as quickly as possible to minimize stress, as their metabolism slows down in colder water. A Ketchum Release tool is invaluable for this—it helps safely release fish with minimal handling, keeping both the fish and your hands dry.
South Fork of the Boise
If you’re planning to head to the South Fork, make sure you’re prepared for winter travel. While road conditions are good now, they can change quickly. Ensure your 4×4 is equipped with studded snow tires and chains, just in case. As for fishing, flows are steady at 300 CFS, which makes for excellent walk-and-wade conditions. There’s been a decent Baetis and Midge hatch in the late afternoon, and dry fly anglers can find fish rising in the slower, deeper stretches, selectively sipping until sundown. Nymphing remains productive as well. Focus on seams and slower dancing water, where you’ll find both trout and whitefish in abundance.
The Lost Below Mackay
Trail Creek Pass will remain open until the 15th of November. After the gate is closed, you’ll need to detour through Carey and over to Arco to reach Mackay. The Lost River is running low and the fish have been quite spooky. At this level, fish are concentrated in the deeper runs and riffles at the heads of these runs. Stealth is key—approach carefully for the best chances of success. While you may see some Baetis hatching, expect midges to be more prevalent in the afternoons. For risers, you’ll need long, light leaders (6X or 7X) and small flies to match the hatch. Nymphing will likely yield the most consistent results. Try a small beaded midge or Baetis pattern below a dry fly or small indicator.
The Salmon
It is frigid in Stanley this time of year, but fishing in the afternoon is still possible. Pick a pullout with some decent holding water and you will find a few rainbows, cutthroat, whitefish, and possibly a bull trout.
Silver Creek: Baetis | Midge | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Wood: Baetis | Midge | Perdigones | King Prince | Streamers
Big Lost: Baetis | Midge | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Salmon River: Chubby Chernobyl | King Prince | Streamers
South Fork of the Boise: Zebra Midge | Caddis Larva | Flashback Pheasant Tails | Streamers | Baetis | Stoneflies
| Silver Creek | 103 cfs |
| Big Wood | 158 cfs |
| The Lost Below Mackay | 65 cfs |
| Salmon | 1080 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 279 cfs |
