Synopsis
The expected warmer temperatures should produce some great fishing. Hopefully, this warm weather will kick off the winter midge hatches that produce some of the finest winter dry-fly fishing in Idaho. As always, use caution when accessing any of our area waters in the winter. Parking spots along the river are limited and usually close to traffic.
Silver Creek
Silver Creek has been slow lately due to cold temperatures. These cold temperatures result in a lack of surface runoff and, consequentially, gin clear water. As the temperatures warm up, the creek will darken and fish will be more inclined to eat artificial flies. Flies like the Beauface Leech, Philo Beto, and Marabou Leeches in dark colors are all good choices for winter fishing on Silver Creek. Please remember that the water above the Highway 20 Bridge is closed until opening day(May 23rd).
Big Wood River
The Big Wood has seen average fishing on days where the temperature exceeds 25°, and has seen great fishing when the temperatures exceed 32°. Calm, warm, overcast days will produce the best dry fly fishing. Midge patterns such as the Trailing Shuck, Griffiths Gnat, and the Harrop Midge are all great choices during a winter midge hatch. When the fish aren’t taking midges off the surface, nymphs like Zebra Midges, Brassies, and Prince Nymphs should produce good takes. Use caution when walking around the river, there is a lot of ice on the banks and it can be slippery in felt wading boots.
Big Lost River
This time of year the Big Lost will fish a lot like the Big Wood. On colder days, nymphing will be the most productive angling technique. Red Copper Johns, Brassies, and Zebra midges are all good bets on the Lost. As with the Wood, the warmer weather will produce good surface activity on the Big Lost. Remember that the Trail Creek pass is closed. Be prepared to drive through Carey and Arco to get to the Lost.
South Fork of the Boise
The South Fork of the Boise has been very unpredictable lately, with some days producing excellent fishing and others handing out skunks, with the outcome being highly dependent on the weather. The warm calm days will produce more fish than the cold or windy days. Once again, nymphs like the Zebra and the Copper John should produce fish subsurface and midge dries can be used to match the surface hatches.
