“If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading.”
– Lao Tzu
Silver Creek
November is the last month to fish the Creek in the Nature Conservancy. The Creek below Highway 20, however, remains open year round. With the cooler temperatures you can expect a brief Baetis hatch late in the day. The fish are eager to feed, so any hatch activity will get the fish active. Nymphing with small midge and Baetis nymphs can be productive and streamers are turning fish as well. Because of the cold water temps, be sure to layer up. Please note that the Browns are still spawning. Leave these fish alone and don’t wade through the redds. Important Access Information: Kilpatrick Bridge and access to the Preserve from the east side has been closed for construction. Construction on the bridge, as well as dredging the Pond, is scheduled to run through January 4th. During this time there will be several different closures in place—float tube access, recreational floating, waterfowl hunting, parking, and hiking. For questions about the bridge replacement, contact Blaine County at (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
The Wood is changing into a winter fishery. With the cooler overnight lows, there are fewer bugs hatching and a shorter fishing window. Also, the fish moving into the best holding water out of the fast flowing riffles. While some pleasant weather is still in the forecast, the Baetis hatch will dwindle, and midge become the primary food source as the trout adjust to winter-like temperatures.
Big Lost below Mackay
At around 70 CFS, the wading is easy. You will find plenty of fish in and around the buckets. Use a stealthy approach and target feeding fish. Your first few casts will produce takes, but might spook the rest of the bucket. Give it a rest and come back and catch a few more or move.
Upper Big Lost
Snow or no snow, Trail Creek Pass will be closed November 15th. So take advantage of it while you can. Focus on the best holding water late in the day and you are sure to find a few decent trout or two. Streamers and small nymphs have been most productive.
Salmon River
It is certainly cold in the Sawtooth Valley; however, the fishing is still productive in the late afternoon. Pick a pull out with decent holding water and you will find good concentrations of rainbows, cutthroat, whitefish, and bull trout.
South Fork of the Boise
The river is holding at typical winter flows: 300 CFS. The cooler weather will concentrate the bug activity to the most pleasant time of day. Look for a mix of Baetis and midge in the afternoon. Before and after this window, nymphing is most productive for trout and whitefish.
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: Baetis | Midge | Streamers
Salmon: Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: Baetis | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 98.3 cfs |
| Big Wood | 180 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 74.7 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 295 cfs |
| Salmon | 533 cfs |
