Do your snow dance! The snowpack for the Big Wood River Basin currently sits at just over 100%, while the Little Wood and Big Lost basins hover around 80%. We hope to receive additional moisture throughout February and March to bolster water supplies for the upcoming season.
Frigid temperatures are in the immediate forecast, so fishing activity will taper off. If you do get out, concentrate your efforts on the warmest part of the day—prepare accordingly so that you remain dry and warm!
Area fisheries have been productive under the right conditions. 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. Please remember that The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve is closed, while fishing remains open downstream from the Highway 20 bridge.
Fishing is good on the Big Wood River as well. Look for foam lines and back eddies, and you will find rising trout. Standard midge imitations, along with a tiny zebra midge dropper, are the way to go. Nymphing and streamer fishing continues 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.
Keep your fingers crossed for a little more snow and, as always, be safe out there.
Happy fishing everyone!
