Early-winter snowstorms have helped boost our snowpack, but we are hopeful for a lot more precipitation in the next few months.
Anglers fishing during the right conditions have had success on Silver Creek, the Big Wood River, and lower Big Lost River.
Silver Creek is “quality over quantity” fishing; winter streamer fishing on the creek provides anglers with one of the best opportunities to catch a trophy brown. On colder days, fish streamers slow and methodically, covering key water thoroughly. As temperatures increase, streamers should be fished more aggressively. The old adage of “dark day, dark fly, and bright day, bright fly” is a good rule of thumb to follow when streamer fishing, but don’t be afraid to experiment, as well. Remember, the portions of Silver Creek north of Highway 20 remain open through the end of March, so expect fishing to get even better. Expect good dry-fly fishing with midges and spring Blue-Wing Olives during the month of March.
Fishing on the Big Wood and lower Big Lost is primarily a nymphing game right now. All your favorite nymphs will take fish — Copper Johns, Hare’s Ears, Pheasant Tails, Rainbow Warriors, Brassies, Zebra Midges, Princes, and Girdle Bugs are all excellent choices. A double nymph rig with a large point fly followed by a small dropper is your best bet. Concentrate your efforts on typical winter holding water — slow, deep pools and shallow runs with little current. Takes can be extremely subtle at this time of year, so pay attention! Midge and BWO dry-fly opportunities will increase as we enter into March.
Winter flows on the South Fork of the Boise remain stable at around 300 CFS. Nymphing will continue to be the most productive technique on the South Fork; don’t fish the river without a good selection of beefy Rubber Legs, cranefly larva, and small zebra midges in sizes 16 through 20. The road into the South Fork canyon can be a little dicey during the winter, so check current conditions and be prepared when making the drive.
Happy fishing, everyone!