Synopsis
There is change happening on all our rivers as the flows drop, the insects become smaller and, and the fish begin to wise up. There is still plenty of opportunity to catch fish with attractors and cover water looking for greedy trout, but more and more in the coming two weeks, be prepared to find fish locked onto a food source and eating less opportunistically. This means having the right flies and tippets in order to match what the river is doling out.
Silver Creek
The Creek is in full morning mode right now and although busy with anglers the fishing remains very good. Trico Spinners get the fish rolling in the morning and the Baetis, Pale Morning Dun, and Callibaetis all join in and really put the fish into frenzy mode. This doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy, but a well presented fly on 5X or 6X is going to get some attention. If you are new to fishing the Creek, don’t forget when fishing these tiny flies, that when you get a strike on the surface, we don’t “set the hook.†We do what is commonly called the “Silver Creek Lift.†Meaning – when a fish takes your fly, just gently lift the rod until the line comes tight! A quick hook set will pull the fly upstream and out of a fishes mouth. The gentle lift will bury the hook in their lip after they have had a split second to really get a hold of the fly. Don’t worry about the fish spitting the hook, as most the flies are so small , it will take them a moment to notice what is happening.
The fishing has been happening from 7:30 to about 11:30 a.m. on a really good morning, but it is all temperature related. It could start later, and finish early, it could last past noon. In any case, eat a hardy breakfast, fish hard and then enjoy yourself. In the afternoons look for Callibaetis in the slow water areas, and Damsel Fly action near weed beds. In the evening the rise can be a bit more tricky, but with few anglers, gorgeous scenery and a handful of the morning bugs you were casting, the evenings are very worthwhile.
Big Wood River
The Wood is dropping into summer flows and smaller bugs are becoming more important. A good selection of Rusty Spinners in the fly box, as we move toward August is important. Caddis are very important in the evenings and the early mornings. Have Elk Hair and Goddard Caddis for these evening events. It is also an important time of year to be sure your fly box contains flying ants, as they will become prominent with the dropping water. Continue to fish faster, deeper water with big attractors and nymphs, but start keeping an eye out for working fish in the slicks and eddies.
Upper Lost and Copper Basin
An amazing amount of insects are out and about on these area rivers. The fishing seemingly turns off and on by the minute, but when it’s on, the fishing can be great. Plenty of big fish are around, but they are not easy to catch as you must find what they are eating and imitate it. This can be tricky when you have Green Drakes, Tricos, Yellow Sallies, Salmon Flies and a variety of other Stoneflies, Mayflies and Caddis all going on at once. Be sure to bring all your fly boxes and be patient if the fishing shuts down. Give it a half hour or so, and it may turn right back in your favor.
Big Lost River
No Reports, still flowing at a high CFS.
Little Wood
No Reports
South Fork of the Boise
The Salmon Flies are out and in good numbers this week. If you have a boat and a day off, this would be a good time of the season to make a drift or two with the biggest dry flies of the year.
