“Some of us think holding on makes us strong, but sometimes it is letting go.”
– Hermann Hesse
Silver Creek
Fall Baetis and Mahogany duns will be the main fare on the Creek. The hatch will occur during the most pleasant time of day between 10 am and 2 pm. You might also spot a few skittering October Caddis and a Callibaetis. The cooler weather and shorter days will certainly get the big browns moving. Pre-spawn browns can be aggressive and may chase a streamer. Of course, some will be active on redds now that the temperatures have dropped and should be left alone. 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 fishing has been good on the Wood with the cooler water temps. Once the day and water warms, a Baetis hatch should trigger some enthusiastic feeding on both nymphs and dries. With the low, clear water conditions, be extra stealthy when approaching runs as the fish will be spread out from the shallow tailouts to the shallow riffles around the better holding water. When the Baetis aren’t hatching, fish will still take a well-drifted caddis, ant, or Hecuba pattern in the riffles, runs, and seams. A small Zebra midge (in black, red, or olive) or Baetis nymph as a dropper can also be effective.
Big Lost below Mackay
The flows should drop as demands for irrigation diminish. You can expect to see Baetis on the water and in the air in the early afternoon as the day warms. With a keen eye, you will find fish eating dries in the shallow seams and riffles. A dry dropper rig is always a good approach.
Upper Big Lost
This is a good destination for an afternoon fish on a pleasant fall day. There’s no need to go too early; the water is low and frigid. Once it warms, focus on the main stem and bounce between the deeper runs. Terrestrials and Hecbas will turn fish, but may only draw refusals. Size down and make your first presentation count.
Salmon River
Great fishing can be found around the Stanley Area. Wait for it to warm up and then find a good pull-out along the river. Focus on the runs with varied depth and structure. Choose your preferred technique as the fish will be willing to take dries, nymphs, or streamers. You will find plenty of stocked and wild trout, along with white fish, to keep you busy.
South Fork of the Boise
The flows are steady at 300 CFS. You will find Pinks, Flavs, and Baetis hatching during the warmer parts of the day. You might also spot small cream-colored crane flies. The evening caddis hatch remains decent, so it’s worth fishing after the sun leaves the water.
Local Ponds
Recommended Flies
Silver Creek: Mahogany Duns | Baetis 20-24 | Callibaetis 16,18 | Terrestrials | Zebra Midge in black, red, or olive | Small Pheasant Tails | Streamers
Big Lost: Crane Flies | Baetis 18, 20 | Midge 20-24 | Red Quills | Streamers
Big Wood: Baetis | Caddis | Red Quills | Chubby Chernobyls | Rubber Legged Stones | Streamers
Salmon: Caddis | Hoppers | Chubby Chernobyl | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
Southfork of the Boise: Pink Alberts | Baetis | Flavs | Midge | Rubber Legged Stones | King Prince | Streamers
| Silver Creek | 77.9 cfs |
| Big Wood | 134 cfs |
| Big Lost Below Mackay | 257 cfs |
| South Fork of the Boise | 309 cfs |
| Salmon | 494 cfs |
