Fly Fishing Forecast 8/9-8/16

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”
– Buddha

Now is a good time to stock up on essentials in preparation for the solar eclipse occurring Monday, August 21st. Be sure to have water, food, sunscreen, gas, eclipse glasses, and patience…lots of patience. Add ice, beer, and a fly rod to the list and you will be all set. Once the pre-eclipse preparation is complete, get out and go fly fishing. You may need to resupply with ice and beer. The truth: fishing may be the best way to prepare.

We will not be booking guide trip reservations on this day due to unforeseeable variables from the eclipse. As it’s always our goal to give our clients the best possible experience on the river, we’re concerned with issues of traffic congestion and the unpredictability that comes with a natural event of this size. We appreciate your understanding!

SILVER CREEK
The Tricos have diminished to the point where some mornings you may only see a few duns and spinners float by. Currently the best morning bugs are Baetis with a few Callibaetis spinners in the mix. If you find morning activity, try fishing a small 22 or 24 Harrop’s Hen or CDC Winged Baetis with a light and long leader of about 12 feet to 6 or 6.5X tippet. We are anticipating the midday Callibaetis in the Pond to become a staple as the month progresses, but this hatch has yet to get going. Currently, Damsels remain the best midday option. And on windy days, hoppers are working well. The evening fishing remains inconsistent with a smattering of different bugs: mostly caddis, PMDs, and Baetis.

THE BIG WOOD
The Wood continues to improve as the water keeps dropping and revealing new holding water. Still, wading the river remains a challenge; this would be a good time to invest in a wading staff and add a few more studs to your boots. Anglers who can make their way around the river are finding fish that have not seen a fly for months. Tighten up your wading belt, find a wading buddy, and get after it! There are a mix of bugs fluttering about depending on where you are on the river including Tricos, PMDs, Pinks, Spruce Moths, and Caddis. Hoppers are even starting to take fish. Nymphing with a suspended indicator or a bi-colored sighter Euro Style can be deadly. An angler with a 13-foot Tenkara Rod is at a definite advantage whether fishing dries or nymphs.

WARM SPRINGS & TRAIL CREEK
These rivers are a great alternative for those seeking a small stream experience but don’t have the time to drive over the hill to the Copper Basin. Fish and Game has stocked these rivers around the bridges and anywhere the rivers near the road. If you wish to seek wild fish, just leave the beaten path and explore. Expect to see PMDs, Pink Alberts, Caddis, and some Spruce Moths.

THE UPPER LOST
The fishing in this area has been inconsistent. Anglers that move around will find fish, and sometimes nice fish. It is best to go with low expectations and enjoy the solitude and scenery. When you do find fish, they will be opportunistic feeders and a well presented hopper or other attractor pattern will turn fish. Nymphing is a good way to get into the finicky trout and Mountain Whitefish.

THE LOST BELOW MACKAY
The flows are down to 400 CFS. This is still 50 to 100 CFS too high for most to wade comfortably. However, while these flows are still high, some fishing has opened up for those who are willing to brave the strong currents. There are good hatches of PMDs, Baetis, Tricos, and Caddis throughout the morning as well as the classic large Lost River Crane Flies. Even with all the bugs the dry fly can be spotty. Nymphing will produce the most action. Try a combo of large and small tungsten patterns to get the flies to the right depth.

SALMON
The flows are down to 400 CFS. This is still 50 to 100 CFS too high for most to wade comfortably. However, while these flows are still high, some fishing has opened up for those who are willing to brave the strong currents. There are good hatches of PMDs, Baetis, Tricos, and Caddis throughout the morning as well as the classic large Lost River Crane Flies. Even with all the bugs the dry fly can be spotty. Nymphing will produce the most action. Try a combo of large and small tungsten patterns to get the flies to the right depth.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE
The fishing remains consistently inconsistent with flows around 1,600 CFS. Due to the excessive pressure of drift boat anglers pounding the banks with foam bodied flies, the trout have developed a distaste for them. Persistent anglers have found success searching for trout feeding on Pink Alberts and large crane flies. Nymphing will produce good numbers of whitefish and a few trout.

LOCAL PONDS
Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon 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.