info@picaboangler.com
(208)788.3536
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We’re officially in the dog days of summer here in the Valley, so peak fishing on local rivers has shifted accordingly. Early mornings and late evenings are the prime times to be on area waters, as bug and fish activity is heaviest then.
We’re seeing incredible Trico hatches on Silver Creek, particularly on the lower water from the Highway 20 access downstream to the Picabo Road bridge. Get out early and enjoy some of the most incredible dry-fly fishing of the season. Be sure to have both male and female Trico imitations, as the fish will often key in on one or the other. Baetis (BWOs) have been mixed in with Tricos, so be prepared to switch up bugs at a moment’s notice. Once the morning dry-fly activity wanes, fish hopper imitations, beetles, ants, and adult damsels. The Callibaetis have continued to show during the afternoons, as well. Evenings on the Creek can be special; expect a mix of bugs, including Baetis, Callibaetis, PMDs, and caddis.
The Big Wood River also fishes well early and late. In the mornings, small attractor dries fished at the heads of riffles is very effective. Your favorite small dropper nymph will take those fish not willing to eat on the surface. There are a few Yellow Sallies and Tricos around, so keep an eye out for the naturals. Hoppers and Hopper/Droppers will produce throughout the day. In the evening, the fish will be focused on caddis, and the fishing can be fantastic during the last couple of hours of daylight.
The waters of Copper Basin are a great option right now. Conditions are perfect for wet wading and covering the upper Big Lost, East Fork, and North Fork in search of large cutthroat. Hoppers, Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls, and Fat Alberts are all great bugs to throw. Cover water and make sure your fly hits all the juiciest water!
Picabo Angler is holding a Women’s-Only Fly Fishing Class on Friday, Aug. 9. The class runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will cover “Fly Fishing 101” – gear, knots, aquatic insects, reading water, local fishing, casting, etc. The class will feature Q&A, casting lessons, lunch, and a short afternoon of fishing on a local river. The cost is $250 per person. Give us a call at (208) 788-3536 to register.
Happy fishing, everyone!
