A nice warm weekend is almost upon us. Expect red-hot fishing as we reach near-record high temperatures. There should be an abundance of dry-fly activity, with Midges and Baetis hatching in large numbers. If for some reason large hatches don’t transpire, the fishing subsurface will still be really good. Fish your favorite red colors if you nymph and fish dark patterns slowly if you Streamer fish
This is the last weekend to fish Silver Creek and the Big Wood, as March 31 is the last day on most of our area waters. The Little Wood and Big Lost rivers will remain open to fishing and are open year-round.
The Creek should see some decent Baetis hatches and large Midge hatches. Without question, the Streamer fishing should be spot on. Quick reminder: The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve is closed! A few eager anglers almost got themselves in trouble fishing it last weekend. Look at the access points at the Highway 20 Bridge, Silver Creek East, Silver Creek West and the Picabo Bridge. They are all fishing equally well right now, so find the spot with the fewest other anglers. Olive and Black Buggers are great Streamer choices. Gulper Specials and Tie-Down Midges make excellent dry-fly patterns. Just make sure you are targeting a fish that is eagerly rising.
The Big Wood should fish well, and certainly better in those places that take a little work to hike into. Expect to see Midges on the surface and great nymphing subsurface. Zebra Midges and Brassies in red are a great way to go. Fish Girdle Bugs if you want to nymph with something larger and deeper. If you fish Streamers, choose Olive shades that imitate the Wood River sculpin. Be aware there may be a little bit of spawning action starting, so avoid those places that may appear as clean-swept gravels.
The South Fork of the Boise and the Lower Big Lost rivers are your best bets for finding the spring Baetis hatches. With the beautiful weather this weekend, either of these rivers could make for a nice early-season camping trip. Fish nymphs and Streamers in the morning hours and cross your fingers for big afternoon hatches. Take all the same flies you would fish on the Big Wood River, especially the Girdle Bugs, just in case you have to fish deeper for the rainbows.
Happy fishing, everyone!