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September marks the unofficial start of fall in the Wood River Valley, and with it comes some of the season’s finest fishing. While most of our waters are quite low, recent cooler temperatures have provided a needed respite from the heat and have us thinking about fall hatches on local fisheries.
On the Big Wood, we should soon see the arrival of one of the river’s best hatches—the Western red quill (aka Hecuba). This is a large, meaty mayfly that appears on mild afternoons and tempts the river’s rainbows and browns. Use size 10 and 12 imitations such as the H&L Variant, Parachute Adams and Purple Haze. Terrestrials such as ants, beetles and hoppers are still prevalent, and a few small mayflies and caddis are found along the river. Long, light leaders and a stealthy approach are required.
Silver Creek continues to produce well in the morning with BWOs, Tricos, and Callibaetis. As the temps cool, the Trico and Callibaetis hatches will wane, while the BWO activity intensifies. Recent mornings and evenings have seen good numbers of flying ants on the Creek, and hoppers and damsels are still productive during the afternoon. Toward the end of the month, look for the arrival of the Mahogany Dun.
The Lower Big Lost River is still flowing strong at about 365 CFS, but the fishing can be excellent in the right water. Tricos and small BWOs are present in the mornings, and the hopper bite is still going strong in the afternoons. Take your nymph box when fishing the lower Lost; the river is full of midge, cranefly, and BWO nymphs.
The Upper Big Lost River is low, but fish are still taking a variety of terrestrials and attractor dries. It’s a great place to find solitude and hunt for some truly impressive cutthroats. Keep moving, cover lots of water, and concentrate your efforts on the prime water.
The South Fork Boise River is flowing at around 600 CFS—ideal flows for the wading angler. Look for the continued presence of Pink Alberts, Flavs, BWOs, and terrestrials.
As autumn gains its hold throughout the Valley, streamer fishing on local waters can be extremely productive. Our new, custom-tied Sparkle Minnows are deadly.
Wing-shooting opportunities have also started; forest grouse and dove seasons are underway.
Fall is a spectacular time in the Wood River Valley!
Happy fishing, everyone!
