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The heat is returning to the Valley and with it comes some of the season’s best Callibaetis action on Silver Creek. This lunchtime hatch of the “Speckled Dun” can be found throughout the stillwater reaches of the Creek.
The Callibaetis is a decent-sized bug and a size 16 Hackle Stacker or a Film Critic will get the job done. Fish with 6X and don’t be put off by the wind. They will hatch despite the wind; just watch close to the banks for rising fish if it is up.
Damselfly action on the Creek remains really good, and the Hopper action is getting better by the day. Pink bodies still seem to be out-fishing the rest of the spectrum, and foam is the way to go. When you fish a Hopper on the Creek, you want to be close to the banks to catch the biggest fish. They will be tucked just under the bank, so allowing them to HEAR your fly land on the water with a SPLAT can be the most important part of the presentation. At the very least, they will know there is a target and food for the taking!
The Big Wood continues to see the morning occurrence of tiny Trico, which is showing up in large Spinner Falls. The Wood is also fishing well with Hopper Droppers, small Nymph rigs, and Elk Hair Caddis in the evening or early morning hours.
Take the previous paragraph and insert Upper Lost River and you’ll have the report for this section of river as well. If you want to head to the Lower Lost, have your Crane Flies and skate them after the morning Trico action has subsided. Be aware the flows are still high enough to make wading tricky. Use caution when getting in these currents.
The Little Wood continues to fish well above the reservoir, and with the worst of the mosquitos behind us, this fishery is providing beginners and anyone looking for a small-stream experience an excellent opportunity. Small attractors are the way to go, with Caddis in the evenings being the best hatch of the day.
The South Fork of the Boise and Salmon rivers continue to provide late-season drift-boat opportunities. Hoppers are the first choice for most anglers when fishing from a boat. A dropper system or even two dry flies will increase your strikes through the course of the day.
Happy fishing, everyone!