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The end of this week brings a respite from the summer heat, and the Valley will see mild daytime temperatures and cool, crisp nights. With the change in the weather, we should see good fishing on all of our local waters.
Terrestrials are still prevalent on Silver Creek, the Big Wood and the Big Lost system. While we haven’t seen the same numbers of hoppers this season as years past, fish still key in on the big bug and will eat a well-presented hopper pattern at all of your favorite haunts. Beetles and ants continue to be productive, and flying ants should appear at any time on Silver Creek and the Big Wood.
Mornings on Silver Creek have been quite good, with BWOs and Tricos the main players. Look for good emergences and spinner falls of BWOs, as well as an abundance of Trico spinners. Both bugs are small (size 20 – 24), and require long, light leaders to make delicate presentations. Callibaetis are still found on the Creek during the late morning and early afternoon, and select days have seen good damsel activity. Afternoons on the Creek are dominated by terrestrials. With the water temps dropping, fish will spread throughout the Creek.
On the Big Wood River, we are still seeing some Trico activity in the morning, and standard small attractor dries fished in the heads of riffles are taking plenty of fish. Afternoon fishing is made for the hopper-dropper technique. While the river is quite low, it remains productive. Cooler temps will be helpful on the Big Wood as we head into fall.
The lower Big Lost River is still running high at about 480 CFS, so wading and access remains challenging. Tricos, Craneflies and Hoppers can be found on the river, and nymph droppers are particularly effective.
The upper Big Lost River system is low, and to find success, anglers must cover a good bit of water and fish the choicest locations. Look for deeper riffles, undercut banks and shaded water. A grasshopper or hopper-dropper rig is the way to go.
The South Fork Boise River has dropped to 800 CFS, allowing wading anglers excellent access on the river’s many riffles, runs and pools. Look for Pink Alberts, Flavs, Caddis and Hoppers to be your dry-fly offerings on the South Fork, and nymph fishing continues to produce fish.
Happy fishing, everyone!
