Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing ForecastSeptember 2 – 9

“If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.”

– Dolly Parton

A beautiful, bright sun, windless day could mean tough fishing. But if blustery weather is in the forecast, head to the river.

Silver Creek

The possibility of rain and cooler weather is in the forecast. This is a welcome change after a hot summer. There will still be a short window of decent dry fly fishing with Tricos and Baetis spinners in the mornings. Depending on where you are will determine the duration and intensity of the hatch, but pods of fish can still be found. Callibaetis are ramping up in the afternoon. If the wind gets really heavy, try a hopper, ant, or beetle. The fish tend to lose their inhibitions with a good wind chop. Reminder: As of Aug. 24th, the Kilpatrick Bridge and access to the Preserve from the east side will be 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 water is really low and clear, so approach the water’s edge with stealth or you may scare the fish before you have even made your first cast. Also, don’t overlook the shallow riffles above deeper runs, as the fish may be seeking oxygen and food. With the cooler morning temperatures, Red Quill will be around as well as some Baetis, Tricos, flying ants, caddis, and small crane flies. While there are not that many hoppers this year, they are turning fish.

Big Lost below Mackay

The flows are currently at 300 CFS and should continue to drop. You will find Tricos mixed with Baetis hatching as the day warms up, and giant crane flies skittered across the surface. In the afternoon, the bug activity slows, but nymphing is still productive with small Baetis or midge patterns.

Upper Big Lost

It is cold at the headwaters, so there is no need to get an early start. The fishing is best from the middle of the day into the late afternoon. The hatches are sporadic but you will see a few Tricos, Baetis, and some small caddis during the afternoon. The cooler temps may trigger the Hecuba hatch, so add a few in your fly box.

Salmon River

Both the upper and lower Salmon are fishing well. You will also see an assortment of mayflies, caddis, and hoppers fluttering about. Nymphing will get you into the whitefish as well. There are floating and fishing mitigations in place to protect spawning salmon, so please check with the shop or the SNRA headquarters before you go.

South Fork of the Boise

The flows are holding at around 800 CFS, but could drop any day. At this level, floating is still possible but once it hits 600 CFS leave the boat at home. A few Flavs and Pink Alberts are hatching midday through the early afternoon. Beatis are beginning to make their appearance as well, especially on cloudy days. Caddis are also present in the late afternoons and make for a good searching pattern with a small nymph dropper.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked for the holiday weekend.

Recommended Flies

Silver Creek	88.1 cfs
Big Wood	119 cfs
Big Lost Below Mackay	316 cfs
South Fork of the Boise	793 cfs
Salmon	431 cfs

Sun Valley Area
Fly Fishing Forecast
September 2 – 9