info@picaboangler.com
(208)788.3536
www.picaboangler.com
There’s good news and bad news for this week’s fishing report.
First, the bad news.
Fishing over the next several days will be slow with the arrival of this frigid weather. As nighttime temperatures dip into the single digits, it takes a considerable amount of time for local waters to warm up a few degrees and for fish to become active. Any fishing will be limited to sunny days during the mid-afternoon. If you decide to brave the cold and hit the water, be careful out there. A spill in the river this time of year can potentially be serious. Use caution when wading—and don’t take chances!
The good news is that recent snows have helped bump up our snowpack, and we’re off to a good start. Current snowpack levels in area watersheds are at 65-80 percent. With several months of winter left, we can hope for an above-average snowpack and continued excellent water flows during the summer. Our local rivers have had great water the last few years, and the excellent fishing has reflected that.
As temps rise toward the end of the week, look to the Big Wood River and Silver Creek. Fishing subsurface will be the ticket. On Silver Creek, small black leeches fished very slowly are a good way to produce fish. Swing these bugs along undercut banks and through deeper water.
On the Big Wood River, the lower Big Lost River and the South Fork of the Boise, tandem nymph rigs fished through typical winter holding water (slow runs, pools, and glides) will take fish. For the lead fly, use something that gets the attention of sluggish trout; large rubber legs, girdle bugs, yuk bugs, princes, and San Juan worms are all good choices. Downsize dropper nymphs to size 18–24 zebra midges, brassies, copper johns, and rainbow warriors.
Any surface activity will be limited to midges during the afternoons, so look for feeding fish along foam lines and slower eddies.
During the coldest part of winter, it pays to take a look at your gear and determine what needs to be repaired, replaced, or rejected! If you take care of your gear, it will take care of you.
Stay safe and warm out there!
Happy fishing, everyone!
