Anglers, we are entering another transitional time of the year again. The waters are dropping fast and the rivers that were barely wadable a few weeks ago are now approaching levels where stealth and fly pattern are important. With the coming heat, we can expect the fishing windows to also become early and late. The good news is we are starting to see the beginnings of a really good Hopper year. This will keep the afternoons interesting!
Silver Creek is fishing very well, with Trico and Callibaetis right now. There are some PMD opportunities still, but the Trico is heavy in the early morning and lasting until 11ish. The Callibaetis is also showing in the morning and can be a game changer on Kilpatrick Pond. In the afternoon hours, Streamers in the pond or Hoppers in the river are the main players.
The Big Wood is about to go into the August doldrums, meaning it is also going to start fishing early and late. If you head out in the evenings, the Caddis activity will build and the Rusty Spinner fly can be your best friend for the next two or three weeks. During the day, think about fishing Hopper/Dropper combinations. Dave’s Hopper is the best Hopper on the Big Wood. Fish a Prince or Hare’s Ear Nymph underneath it.
The Little Wood has fewer mosquitoes then a few weeks ago, but by all means still go there prepared for the onslaught, no matter the time of the day. Be fully covered up and have spray. Short of that and it’s not worth the agony. If you get a bit of a breeze and you are prepared, it is doable.
The South Fork of the Boise is fishing OK with Caddis at night and Pink Albert action building during the day. If you are fishing Pink Alberts, pay very close attention to the shallow water and also know that the Pinks emerge with their wings fully exposed before they swim off the bottom of the river. Have flies to match this accordingly.
The Upper Lost is still fishing very well with large attractors and Hoppers. The Streamer fishing is also very good, but decreased flows should knock that action back a bit. Plan on Little Yellow Sallies and Flying Ants to become the main hatches this coming week and beyond.
The Lower Lost will come on strong as the water drops moving closer to the fall.
Happy fishing, everyone!