We’re officially in the dog days of summer here in the valley, so peak fishing on local rivers has shifted accordingly. Early mornings and late evenings are the prime times to be on area waters, as bug and fish activity is heaviest then.
We’re seeing incredible Trico hatches on Silver Creek, particularly on the lower water from the Highway 20 access downstream to the North Picabo Road bridge. Get out early and enjoy some of the most incredible dry-fly fishing of the season. Be sure to have both male and female Trico imitations, as the fish will often key in on one or the other. Baetis (BWOs) have been mixed in with Tricos, so be prepared to switch up bugs at a moment’s notice. Once the morning dry-fly activity wanes, fish hopper imitations, beetles, ants, and adult damsels. The Callibaetis have continued to show during the afternoons, as well. Evenings on the Creek can be special; expect a mix of bugs including Baetis, Callibaetis, PMDs and caddis.
The Big Wood River also fishes well early and late. In the mornings, small attractor dries fished at the heads of riffles is very effective. Your favorite small dropper nymph will take those fish not willing to eat on the surface. There are a few Yellow Sallies and Tricos around, so keep an eye out for the naturals. Hoppers and Hopper/Droppers will produce throughout the day. In the evening, the fish will be focused on caddis, and the fishing can be fantastic during the last couple hours of daylight.
The waters of Copper Basin are a great option right now. Conditions are perfect for wet wading and covering the Upper Big Lost, East Fork, and North Fork in search of large cutthroat. Hoppers, Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls, and Fat Alberts are all great bugs to throw. Cover water and make sure your fly hits all the juiciest water!
The Salmon River continues to fish well, and the river’s cutthroats are looking up for Hoppers, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, and Green Drakes. Your favorite dropper nymph will clean up on the cutts and whitefish, as well.
Happy fishing, everyone!