Fishing Report

As of this writing, the Big Wood River at the Hailey USGS gauge is 1,400 CFS. Side channels and soft edges along the river are producing fish, as is the upper river above Ketchum.

The river continues to drop, and should be in decent shape for the arrival of the green drakes. For now, look for side channels, soft edges, eddies and gentle current seams, and fish large dries and nymphs. Chubby Chernobyls, Golden Stones, Stimulators, Green Drake patterns, H&L Variants and Parachute Adams are a great choice on top. For nymphs, use large Princes, Rubber Legs, 20-Inchers and Copper Johns. Leave the 5X at home! Now is the time when you can get away with short, stout leaders in 2X or 3X.

The South Fork Boise River remains at a good floating level, at 2,010 CFS. Anglers floating the river below Anderson Ranch Dam are having success with cicada patterns, Salmonflies, Golden Stones and Chubby Chernobyls. As always, nymph rigs and streamers are effective, as well.

The upper Salmon River is also fishing well for floating anglers. The USGS gauge on the Salmon at Yankee Fork is at 1,980 CFS. While high, the river is clear, and the fishing has been good for native Westslope cutthroat and rainbows. Big, bushy dries and large nymphs fished tight to the bank are the ticket!

Silver Creek continues to fish well. Right now, on the Creek, there is a smorgasbord of insects. Look for midges, Blue-Winged Olives, PMDs, Callibaetis, and even a few green drakes! Be prepared to fish any of these insects; have emergers, duns, and spinners in your boxes. Beetles and ants continue to be effective on windy days, and we have seen damselflies, as well.

We’ve noticed a few 1/4-inch grasshoppers around, so we are expecting another banner hopper year in our Valley. We are fully stocked up here in the shop!

Our summer is shaping up to be a great one here in the Valley. It’s going to be a great season on Silver Creek, the Big Wood River and the Big Lost River. Be kind and stay kind out there.

Happy fishing, everyone!