It looks like summer has finally arrived here in the Wood River Valley, and with its arrival we can expect changing conditions on our local waters.
On Silver Creek, the mainstay continues to be Callibaetis, with strong emergences and spinner falls occurring throughout The Nature Conservancy and lower sections of the creek. Small summer BWOs also play a part, particularly during the mornings and evenings. Make sure to have small rusty spinners in size 16 – 22 when fishing summer evenings on the creek. Damselflies are becoming stronger daily, and with the heat in the forecast, we can expect Tricos to appear on Silver Creek. We’ve even seen a few tiny grasshoppers lately.
The Big Wood River remains high at 1300 CFS, but fishable water, and hungry trout, are being found. Focus angling efforts on soft water, banks, edges, and side channels. Large dry flies such as Green Drakes, Purple Haze, Stimulators, and Chubby Chernobyls produce fish, especially when fished in tandem with a large dropper nymph such as Rubber Legs, Copper John, or Twenty-Incher. Remember, please exercise caution when wading the Big Wood; the water is still high and fast.
The lower Big Lost River remains unfishable at almost 1000 CFS below Mackay Reservoir, but the upper Big Lost river system is just starting to come into shape. Again, look for the right type of water and fish large, bushy dries and robust, heavy dropper nymphs.
The Salmon River is fishing well, particularly on the float section downstream of Stanley, and the resident cutthroat are eager. Not to sound like a broken record, but use the same bugs that we recommend on the Big Wood and upper Big Lost.
On the South Fork Boise River below Anderson Ranch Reservoir, expect salmonflies, cicadas, Flavs, Pink Alberts, and caddis… as well as lots of Mormon crickets!
We have a huge selection of flies in the shop, so come and stock up for what is shaping up to be a great summer and fall!
Remember to be safe on our local waters, and to treat your fellow anglers and river users with courtesy and respect. As things get busier in the valley, it pays to live by the Golden Rule – treat others as you wish to be treated.
Happy fishing, everyone!
