As of this writing, the Big Wood River at the Hailey USGS gauge is just under 1400 CFS. Side channels and soft edges on the river above Ketchum are just beginning to fish. After the July Fourth holiday, we should see more fishable water on the river. When you go, focus your efforts on side channels, soft edges, eddies, and gentle current seams, and fish large dries and nymphs. Big Chubby Chernobyls, Stonefly Imitations, Stimulators, Green Drake patterns, Purple Haze, and Parachute Adams are all great choices for dry flies. With nymphs, try large patterns (size 6, 8, 10, 12) such as Rubber Legs, 20-Inchers, Copper Johns, Girdle Bugs, and Princes. Make sure you are using enough weight on your nymphs. Fishing a big, flashy streamer (Sparkle Minnow) in the same water can turn some large fish as well. Don’t bother with light leaders and tippet; now is the time for 0X, 1X, and 2X. If you do fish the Big Wood, please use caution!
The South Fork Boise River remains at a good floating level at approximately 1600 CFS. Anglers floating the river below Anderson Ranch Dam are having success with cicada patterns, Salmonflies, Golden Stones, and Chubby Chernobyls. As always, nymph rigs and streamers are effective as well; use the same big bugs as you would on the Big Wood.
The upper Salmon River is also beginning to fish for floating anglers. The USGS gauge on the Salmon at Yankee Fork is at 1700 CFS. While high, the river is clear, and the fishing has been decent for native Westslope cutthroat and rainbows. Big, bushy dries and large nymphs fished tight to the bank are the ticket! The patterns mentioned above will work really well on the Salmon.
Silver Creek continues to fish well. After the recent cold snap, the bugs have gotten back on schedule, and the dry-fly fishing remains strong. Right now on the Creek there is a smorgasbord of insects. Look for midges, Blue-Winged Olives, PMDs, Callibaetis, and even a few Green Drakes and Yellow Sallies. Be prepared to fish any of these insects; have emergers, duns, and spinners in your boxes. Beetles and ants continue to be effective on windy days, and we have seen damselflies as well.
Our summer is shaping up to be a great one here in the Valley! It’s going to be a great season on our local waters, and the season should extend well into fall.
Happy fishing, everyone!