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One of the purest joys in fly fishing is discovery. Finding the right fly, finding that big fish, finding that secret creek are all joyous occasions. This week, Silver Creek has put forth a hatch that is akin to discovery. The Damselfly is the hatch and, despite it being a hatch that we see each summer, the activity we’ve seen in the past week is unparalleled on this stretch of water! Starting around noon, Damselflies are blanketing the water in numbers large enough to hear their wing beats. Even when the wind is blowing, anglers can find places where the fish are taking Damsels.
Look for the biggest weed beds on the Creek and then spend some time watching the edges and the dropoffs behind these patches. The fish have been eating with such vigor that even on the windy days, they can be seen eating weeds off the surface due to mistaken identity and pure hunger.
If you fish the Damselflies on the Creek, keep in mind the hook set is very, very different. When a fish takes your Damsel, you must wait, and wait and wait, and then set the hook hard! Your tippet material should not be lighter than a 3X. The old adage about saying “god save the queen” before your hook set is true here, and maybe even say it twice.
While you search for fish feeding on Damsels, a pink-colored Hopper is working very well on the Creek. Windy days are best, but they aren’t required. The calmer the day, the tighter you want to fish your Hopper to the bank.
The Big Wood is fishing well. Plan in Trico in the morning, Hoppers in the afternoon and Caddis in the evenings. Fish light tippets like 5X and 6X. Small nymphs are also an effective way to fish if things get slow on the surface.
The upper Lost River is fishing on par with the Big Wood. Light tippets and Flying Ants are a great way to go. If you get stumped, fish small streamers into the pools and certainly fish the low-light periods and coolest times of the day.
The South Fork of the Boise is still at boating flows and Hoppers fished near the bank will take some fish. Pink Albert is the big hatch and happens in the heat of the day.
Overall, despite the heat and smoke, the fishing is very, very good right now. Cover up from the sun and get out there!
Happy fishing, everyone!
