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The hopper fishing continues to be strong throughout area rivers; Silver Creek, the Big Wood River and the Big Lost system are experiencing some incredible hopper action at the moment. It truly is “hoppertunity” out there.
On Silver Creek, flows remain excellent and the breadth of the creek is fishing well. The Nature Conservancy, Double R Ranch, the Willows and Point of Rocks have all been productive. As a rule, the Trico hatch has diminished somewhat, although the hatch can be strong at times. Small Baetis are still present in the mornings, and Callibaetis have been very strong on recent afternoons. The Callibaetis are definitely on the smaller size; use size 16 and 18 patterns. We anticipate the appearance of the Mahogany Dun soon. This hatch is one of our favorites; the bugs don’t mind windy days and the fish will key in on the Mahogany even when just a few naturals are present. Keep an eye out for October caddis and flying ants, and don’t put away your hoppers until October!
The Big Wood River continues to fish well. Again, hoppers are one of the go-to bugs right now, and the hopper-dropper method is really producing fish. Use a small (size 16-20) Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior or Copper John as your dropper, and target active fish at the heads of riffles and runs. Rumors of a few Western Red Quill (Hecuba) have been swirling; this hatch should start in earnest very soon. Your favorite Green Drake patterns are an effective imitation of this bug, as are H & L Variants, Parachute Hare’s Ears and Parachute Adams.
The Upper Big Lost River system is productive during the afternoons; mornings are a bit cool in the high country and fish become more active as the temperatures rise. Look for fish in deeper pockets, along dark undercut banks, and along quiet current seams. Cover lots of water and fish your favorite terrestrial patterns.
The Lower Big Lost River is still flowing strong at 400 CFS, but the fishing can be excellent in the right water. Tricos are present in the late mornings, and the hopper and cranefly bite is still going strong in the afternoons. Nymphing is really productive right now, and the fish are taking a variety of subsurface offerings—Rubber Legs, Copper Johns, Cranefly Larva, Zebra Midges, etc.
Don’t be afraid to get out your streamer box on all of our waters right now.
Happy fishing, everyone!