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Do your snow dance! Our local snowpack levels leave a bit to be desired at the moment; the Big Wood River basin is currently at 80 percent, the Little Wood is at 61 percent, and the Big Lost is at 70 percent. The lone bright spot for our region is the Salmon River basin, currently at 106 percent.
While we do have good base flows on area rivers, a healthy water table, and relatively full reservoirs, we do need additional high-mountain snow to boost snowpack levels and ensure excellent summer flows on local waters.
Area fisheries have been productive under the right conditions. On Silver Creek, the midge activity has really picked up in the last week. On select afternoons, plenty of midges have been hatching throughout the portion of Silver Creek that remains open to fishing. Long, light leaders and delicate presentations are required to fool these midging trout; 12-foot to 15-foot leaders tapered to 6X or 6.5X are the norm. Trailing-shuck midges, tie-down midges, Griffith’s Gnats and Fripple midges have all been effective patterns (size 18-22).
There’s a bit of color to the Creek, so streamer fishing should continue to produce. Sparkle Minnows, Zonkers, Clouser Minnows, and other baitfish imitations are very effective, as are small, dark leeches and buggers. If you decide to get in the float tube and fish Kilpatrick Pond, dress warm and don’t overdo it!
Midge fishing is good on the Big Wood River, as well. Look for foam lines and back eddies and you will find the rising trout. Standard midge imitations, along with a tiny zebra midge dropper, are the way to go. Nymphing and streamer fishing continue to produce. While tried-and-true patterns are always effective (Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, Rubber Legs, etc.), don’t be afraid to show the fish something a little different!
If you’re looking to take a drive, both the Lower Big Lost River and South Fork Boise River have been productive lately under the right conditions. Again, midges, nymphs and streamers are all producing at times.
While February is the shortest month of the year, sometimes it certainly feels like the longest! In addition to the local fishing opportunities, now is a good time to take a look at your gear and do any maintenance or replacement that’s needed.
Keep your fingers crossed for a little more snow and, as always, be safe out there.
Happy fishing, everyone!
