The weather forecast looks beautiful and steady throughout the week, with colder daytime temperatures and likely some snow moving in over the weekend. Anglers will need to adjust their tactics accordingly. No matter where you fish, when the weather changes, concentrate angling efforts during the warmest parts of the day, and look for fish in typical winter holding lines—soft current seams, slow deep pools, and calm tailouts. Be sure to start dressing warmer under those waders and be prepared for shorter fishing windows.
Silver Creek south of Highway 20 remains open until the end of November. Trout are actively feeding to pack on the pounds before winter. Dry-fly activity is limited to the late afternoon, but anglers should expect small Baetis (BWO) and Midges along with some October Caddis and Mahogany Duns. Throwing streamers to deep dark water and undercut banks will attract plenty of fish. The old adage of “bright day, bright fly and dark day, dark fly” seems to hold true. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite streamers! If you see brown trout spawning, please leave them alone. This means seeing fish over clean-swept gravels that are actively spawning.
On the Big Wood River, Fall Baetis and Midge activity remains strong in the late afternoons from about 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. October Caddis are found in decent numbers north of Ketchum also in the afternoon. Try a large H & L Variant this time of year. It is a great fly to search with or to drop small nymphs from. Nymphing will be extremely productive throughout the winter months. Go-to double nymph rigs include large Rubber Legs, Princes, Hare’s Ears, and Copper Johns followed by more diminutive imitations such as black or red Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, Rainbow Warriors or Brassies. Sculpin imitations such as olive Buggers, Zonkers and Sparkle Minnows fished on a slow swing effectively imitate the numerous sculpin found in the Big Wood River. This technique will yield quality over quantity as the biggest fish eat the most sculpin.
The upper and lower Lost River are running low; a lot of walking from one deep pocket to another will be necessary. However, if you are looking for solitude and scenery, this may be the spot for you. Similar to the Big Wood River, Fall Baetis activity can be found in the afternoon, with nymphing being productive throughout the day.
Happy fishing, everyone!