Sun Valley Area Fly Fishing ForecastSeptember 9 – 16

“Best of all, he loved the fall, the leaves yellow on the cottonwoods, leaves floating on the trout streams, and above the hills the high blue windless skies…”

– Ernest Hemingway

Hem had it right juxtaposing the stillness of the sky against the subtle movement of leaves and water. Rivers in autumn are for making memories and remembering.

Silver Creek

While official fall is still a couple of weeks away, the current weather pattern is very fall-like. There will still be a short window of decent dry fly fishing with Tricos and Baetis spinners during the late morning. Depending on where you are will determine the duration and intensity of the feeding, but pods of fish can still be found. Callibaetis are ramping up in the afternoon, especially in the slough and lower S-curves. If the wind picks up in the afternoon, try a terrestrial. 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

With the low and clear water you will need to employ stealth as you approach the river’s edge. Also be prepared for quick takes on your first presentation. The trout will rarely give you a second chance. With the cooler morning temperatures, Red Quills should make an appearance and the trout will key on them. You will also see some Baetis, Tricos, flying ants, caddis, and small crane flies depending on your location and timing.

Big Lost below Mackay

The flows may start dropping but are currently at a wadeable, but pushy, 300 CFS. There are still Tricos mixed with Baetis hatching as the day warms up, and giant crane flies skittering across the surface will turn fish. In the afternoon, the bug activity slows, and nymphing can keep you in fish with small Baetis or midge patterns.

Upper Big Lost

It is chilly 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 will trigger the Hecuba hatch as well. The water is very low, so be stealthy and cover a ton of water.

Salmon River

Valley Creek turned muddy last week, but it should be cleared up by now. Walk-and-wade fishing has been decent. You will also see an assortment of mayflies and caddis fluttering about. Nymphing remains the most productive method at the moment.

South Fork of the Boise

The flows are to 600 CFS. At this level, wading is better than floating, so leave the boat behind. In fact, the flows may drop to 300 CFS around the 15th of this month. Bugwise, 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.

Local Ponds

Lake Creek, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon were stocked for the last time over the holiday weekend and are still a good option on a pleasant day.

Recommended Flies

Silver Creek	89.8 cfs
Big Wood	124 cfs
Big Lost Below Mackay	304 cfs
South Fork of the Boise	602 cfs
Salmon	485 cfs

Sun Valley Area
Fly Fishing Forecast
September 9 – 16