"Dave was never on time for work. He was always early." ~ Terry Ring
That is because it wasn't work for Dave; it was his passion. Let's all try to be a little more like Dave. Whether at work or on the water, go fishing with Super Dave in your heart.
SILVER CREEK
The fishing remains spotty on the Creek. Low flows in the Upper Preserve are forcing most of the fish to seek the protection of deeper, cooler water. Traditionally, this week and the next are the peak of the Trico hatch, and then it slowly dwindles into the latter part of August. Due to early morning winds, the Trico hatch has been very unpredictable. Still, there should still be several more solid Trico spinner falls on the horizon. Along with the Tricos in the morning, you will also see Baetis, Callibaetis, and PMDs. If yo View more..."Dave was never on time for work. He was always early." ~ Terry Ring
That is because it wasn't work for Dave; it was his passion. Let's all try to be a little more like Dave. Whether at work or on the water, go fishing with Super Dave in your heart.
SILVER CREEK
The fishing remains spotty on the Creek. Low flows in the Upper Preserve are forcing most of the fish to seek the protection of deeper, cooler water. Traditionally, this week and the next are the peak of the Trico hatch, and then it slowly dwindles into the latter part of August. Due to early morning winds, the Trico hatch has been very unpredictable. Still, there should still be several more solid Trico spinner falls on the horizon. Along with the Tricos in the morning, you will also see Baetis, Callibaetis, and PMDs. If you go, be sure you have the right leader, tippet and flies to fish these complex hatches. I recommend a 12 foot leader to 6X along with Trico and Baetis spinners in size 22 and 24. The fish can be very selective at this stage of the hatch and a perfect drift matched with a the right fly are a must to be successful. During the middle of the day, the Damsels and Callibaetis are the main fare. Hoppers, beetles, and ants are also working if there is a slight wind chop on the surface. In the evenings, there is a smorgasbord of bugs right at sun down. For twilight fishing, always have a few flies that are easy to see in the fading light.
BIG WOOD
The Wood is fishing very well. There are prolific numbers of small fish from 3 to 8 inches in most every fishable run along with a few larger trout. This is a very good sign and bodes well for the future of this wild fishery. In the mornings, there have been strong hatches of Tricos and PMDs depending on the stretch of river you are on. During the heat of the day, grass hoppers are a good option. Caddis have also been very good in the evening. Fishing small parachute patterns or dry dropper rigs in the shallow riffles or seams along the sides of the heavy water is best. For flies try small (12-16) yellow Stimulators, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachute Hare's Ear, Adams, or Purple Haze trailed by a Rainbow Warrior, Zebra Midge, or Bishop's Dynamite in size 18 and 16.
WARM SPRINGS
If you like small stream fishing, Warms Springs is a great option. The hatches are very similar to the Wood and can often be even more prolific. With the low flows, the fish are concentrated in the deeper water and around cover. Also, Fish and Game keeps this river well stocked around the bridges. For flies, yellow or orange Stimulators or Spruce Moth patterns are good on top. Tying on a dropper is a good idea as well; Bishop's Dynamite, Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tails, and Prince Nymphs all work well.
THE SALMON
The flows have dropped making the upper river around Stanley very easy to walk and wade. Also, we are still floating the lower river and the fishing for bank sipping trout remains very good. Spruce moths are the starting to make an appearance and a
size 16 or 14 cream colored Elk Hair Caddis works well to imitate this bug. Focus on the areas that are heavily wooded with evergreens and you will find the moth. Small hoppers and stimulators are also very effective. Fishing dry dropper style with size 14-16 bead head nymphs is also productive. Valley, Marsh, and Bear Valley Creeks are all fishing well.
BIG LOST - MACKAY
Finally, The flows are creeping up and are now close to 450 CFS; they may continue to rise as irrigation demands increase down stream. For most, this flow is simply too high to fish comfortably. For those willing to seek fishable water, nymphing is the most productive technique. Try a variety of different nymphs: San Juan Worms, King Prince, PTs, and small Beatis and Midge patterns. Large crane flies may be skittering across the water, so have some Mackay Specials in your box.
UPPER BIG LOST
Reports have run the gamut from excellent to slow on the upper Lost. It remains true that the anglers that move around and cover a ton of water will find fish, and sometimes nice fish. The East Fork above Wildhorse Creek is very wadable now, but the fishing pressure has made the fishing a bit tough. If you hit a stretch that has been rested for a few days it can still be excellent. The main stem of the river below the North Fork is also becoming more accessible and is worth exploring. You can still cast big attractor flies, but if you get a refusal, switch to a smaller Parachute Adams, PMD or Purple Haze. If that does not work, try small nymphs, like Rainbow Warriors, Bishop's Dynamite, Pheasant tails or Prince Nymphs.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE
The flows remain around 1700 CFS. The fishing has slowed a bit now that the Salmon flies have disappeared, but hoppers are now clattering up and down the canyon keeping the fish looking for a big meal. Also, Pinks Alberts are hatching around the riffles throughout the day. Of course, caddis cloud the air in the evenings and you should pack a good selection of Trailing Shuck Caddis and traditional Elk Hair Caddis in brown and olive sizes 18 to 14. Nymphing the riffles and seams with large stone fly imitations, caddis larva, and small zebra midge is effective for trout and whitefish.
STILLWATERS & LOCAL WATERS
This is a good time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver's Lagoon. All the ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season. Whatever style of fishing you want to do, we are your headquarters. So drop on by before you take your family fishing and we will make sure you have the right gear to be successful.
