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Our most recent snowstorms have bumped up local snowpack levels; as of this writing, the Big Wood basin is at 87%, the Salmon basin is at 93%, and the Little Wood and Big Lost basins sit at 77%. It looks like additional snow is in the forecast for next week, so we are hopeful that our snowpack levels will elevate even further. Do your snow dance!
In addition to snow, it looks like our region will see a bit of very cold weather toward the end of next week. With daytime high temperatures in the teens, fishing will slow down considerably. Cold spells are a great time to take inventory of your gear, and ensure that flies, leaders, lines, rods, reels, and waders are ready for the upcoming season.
Fly lines can be cleaned easily using warm water and dish soap; it’s a good idea to clean your lines periodically to increase floatation and slickness. Lines that are significantly cracked or abraded should be replaced.
Take a look at your leaders and tippet. Now is a great time to replace any sizes you might need. The same can be said of your fly selection. The winter is a perfect time to tie and/or order new bugs!
Rods, reels, waders and wading boots can be cleaned as well. Check the various manufacturers’ websites for specific cleaning instructions. If any of these items are beyond repair, now is the time to replace them.
Fishing remains productive on local waters, particularly when anglers encounter prime conditions. The warmest part of the day is typically most productive, as are days when the wind has settled down. On Silver Creek, small leeches and streamers are the best bet. Size 8–12 leech patterns in olive, brown, and black fished on the swing are deadly. When fish are aggressive, our Custom Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow is the only fly you need.
Nymphing is still the best option on the Big Wood, Big Lost and South Fork Boise rivers. Indicator and tight-line nymphing methods are both excellent ways to fish; consider a dual nymph rig with both methods. Use a larger, heavier fly as the point, with a smaller dropper fly.
Dry-fly fishing on these rivers will continue to improve as we transition from late February through all of March.
Stay safe, and happy fishing everyone!