The weather forecast for the end of this week ushers in colder daytime temperatures and some freezing nights. Anglers will need to adjust their tactics accordingly. No matter where you fish, when the weather changes, concentrate angling efforts during the warmest parts of the day, and look for fish in typical winter holding lies – soft current seams, slow, deep pools, and calm tailouts.
Silver Creek south of Highway 20 remains open until the end of November. North of the highway, the Creek remains open until the end of March. Note: duck hunters will be active on Silver Creek this time of year, so anglers should be aware. Dry-fly activity can vary depending on the day, but anglers should expect small Baetis (BWO), midges, and a few lingering Mahogany Duns and October caddis. Throwing streamers to deep, dark water and undercut banks will take plenty of fish. The old adage of “bright day, bright fly and dark day, dark fly” seems to hold true. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite streamers. Continue to be mindful of spawning fish and stay clear of spawning redds.
On the Big Wood River, Baetis and midge activity remains strong given the right weather conditions. A size 18–22 Olive Gulper Special or Film Critic accurately imitates Baetis and will fool trout all along the Big Wood. To take fish eating midges (look to the foam lines), fish a visible midge cluster imitation followed by a trailing midge emerger or adult. A white-winged Griffith’s Gnats in a size 16 or 18, trailed by a size 20 or 22 Tie-Down Midge, is an excellent choice.
Nymphing will be extremely productive throughout the winter months. Go-to double nymph rigs include large Rubber Legs, Princes, Hare’s Ears, and Copper Johns followed by more diminutive imitations such as black or red Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, Rainbow Warriors, or Brassies. Sculpin imitations such as olive Buggers, Zonkers, and Sparkle Minnows fished on a slow swing effectively imitate the numerous sculpin found in the Big Wood. This technique will yield quality over quantity and produces some exceptional rainbows.
On the lower Big Lost River, flows have abruptly dropped to just over 100 CFS and fish will be put off for a short period of time. Once (if?) flows have stabilized to the low “winter” flows, look for fish in the deepest ledges and shelves and focus afternoon dry-fly activity on Baetis and midges. Big Wood River tactics and gear will be effective on the lower Big Lost. Long, light leaders will be the name of the game at these low flows.
The upper Big Lost River system (Copper Basin) and Salmon River between Stanley and Challis will slow down considerably given the cooler weather, but fishing can be productive in the afternoons. Baetis and small dry/droppers are particularly effective.
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Happy fishing, everyone!
