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Jack Frost is flipping the switch over to winter this weekend. Much like last year, the fall weather may come to an abrupt halt. This weekend’s freeze means the end to some types of fly fishing. Mainly, the terrestrial population will be frozen out for the year. Hoppers, Ants and Beetles will become a nonfactor moving forward. If you fish this weekend, be prepared to nymph and streamer fish. The cold should knock back most of the fall hatches. We still may find rising fish after the cold snap, but nothing like what we’ve seen thus far this summer. Once the snow starts really falling in a few more months, anglers can count on seeing the first big Midge hatches of the winter and a return to robust dry-fly fishing.
Silver Creek may have some very short fishing windows before the weekend, but if you plan on fishing over the weekend, bring your favorite streamer patterns. Once the extreme cold has come and gone, there will probably be a return of Baetis hatches and October Caddis between now and Thanksgiving.
The Big Wood will be best fished with small nymphs with the cold coming in. Olive-colored streamers are also a great way to go, as Big Wood trout will always dine on the Wood River Sculpin when the opportunity presents itself. So go out and give these fish that opportunity with your favorite Sculpin imitation.
The Lost River will fish much the same as the Big Wood in the coming week. Just be aware of hazardous driving conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Take your Red Copper Johns, Pheasant Tail Nymphs and your favorite Micro-Nymphs if you go.
The South Fork of the Boise is also going to be on par with the Wood and the Lost. Be prepared for terrible weekend weather, but the bookend days may be decent days on the water—especially on the early side of the cold front.
We say this each and every year and we will say it again now. Be prepared when you’re out winter fishing! A lot of people that have not experienced a cold snap like the one coming will not be prepared. ALWAYS, when fishing in these extremes, bring dry clothes, food and water, a full tank of gas, a fully charged phone, and keep a sleeping bag in your vehicle all winter. It only sounds extreme until you need it. Be safe this weekend and have fun!
Happy fishing, everyone!
