Winter has arrived in full force here in the Wood River Valley. The past few days have seen good snowfalls locally, and the snowpack for area rivers is looking good. While we still have a ways to go between now and the season opener, we are optimistic for the coming season.
Silver Creek has been “hot” on some days and “cold” on others. If you’re fishing it during the right conditions (calm, overcast, mild days), the winter streamer bite can be quite good. A good rule of thumb to follow in regard to fly selection is “bright day, bright fly, and dark day, dark fly.” Typically, fishing your streamers on a slow, steady swing will produce more action than actively stripping and moving your fly. That will come as the weather and water warms.
It’s a bit cold on the Big Wood River at the moment, so concentrate your fishing during the warmest part of the day. Ski in the morning, and fish in the afternoon! Nymphing with tiny midge pupa imitations, BWO nymphs, and small black stonefly imitations is the way to go. Trout love to group together during the winter in slower, softer water; find a few of these winter holes and you can be into fish all day long.
The South Fork of the Boise River has been fishing well for those willing to make the trek, with stable winter flows of 300 CFS. Before you go, check the road conditions and the weather; the road into the canyon can be treacherous during heavy snow, ice, and bad weather. Don’t forget your tire chains, survival kit, and extra food and water. Nymphing is the name of the game right now, and it’s hard to beat a big stonefly nymph followed by your favorite midge pupa. A big, meaty streamer fished low and slow in some of the deeper holes can produce a big fish or two.
Happy fishing, everyone!
