Silver Creek has been fishing well this November, and The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve remains open until the end of the month. We have been seeing consistent, but short, hatches of Baetis around 1:00 p.m., although we expect that will change with the colder temperatures arriving. There has also been a good number of fish indulging in midges in the evenings; try targeting these fish with an emerger or pupa pattern as the fish are primarily feeding just below the surface. Streamers are also really starting to move fish; try fishing a Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow or Leech pattern in some of the deeper water. Some of brown trout are still spawning, but there seem to be fewer fish by the day on redds. Leave spawning fish alone and watch your step when wading near cleaned gravel.
The Big Wood River has been very productive in the afternoons. Once the water warms up a bit, anglers can expect to see plenty of midges and even a few Baetis around. Spend time fishing the slower, deeper water as the fish have vacated faster riffles. Nymphing with a large stonefly pattern and a small Midge or Baetis nymph can produce great results. Don’t be afraid to swing a small sculpin pattern through slower runs. Try to target large boulders as well. With the cooling water temperatures, the biggest fish are going to be looking for the best lazy spots to hold, and this is often behind the biggest rocks and boulders. Swing a fly to the top and bottom side of these rocks.
The clock is running out on the season’s Mayfly hatches and the South Fork of the Boise may be your best bet to get on the Fall Baetis before winter truly sets in. Late afternoon is the time to find rising fish, but anglers can nymph the riffles and foam lines prior to that surface action. Red Copper Johns, Red Squirrel Nymphs, Two Bit Baetis and Hares Ears are all good choices.
The Lost River below the dam can be fished the same as the South Fork. Show up early for nymphing with your favorite Micro-Nymph patterns and almost anything red. Stick around for the late afternoon and cross your fingers for the last of the Baetis hatches. Try a Gulper Special to imitate the lower Lost River Baetis. This is also a really effective fly on the Big Wood!
Happy fishing, everyone!
