September marks the unofficial start of fall in the Wood River Valley, and with it comes some of the season’s finest fishing. Blessed by a great winter and recent rains, most of our local waters are flowing higher than normal with plenty of cold water.
On the Big Wood, we should soon see the arrival of one of the river’s best hatches — the Western Red Quill (aka Hecuba). This is a large, meaty mayfly that appears on mild afternoons and tempts the river’s rainbows and browns. Use size 10 and 12 imitations such as the H&L Variant, Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, and even Green Drake patterns. Terrestrials such as ants, beetles and hoppers are still prevalent, and a few small mayflies and caddis are found along the river. Dropper nymphs such as Copper Johns, Rainbow Warriors and Rubber Legs have been very effective as well.
Silver Creek continues to produce well in the morning with a mix of BWOs, Tricos and Callibaetis. As the temps cool, the Trico and Callibaetis hatches will wane, while the BWO activity intensifies. Hoppers, beetles, ants and damsels are still productive during the afternoons, especially when there is a good breeze. Toward the end of the month, look for the arrival of the Mahogany Dun and October Caddis.
The Upper Big Lost River is still fishing quite well, and fish are taking a variety of terrestrials and attractor dries. It’s a great place to find solitude and hunt for some truly impressive cutthroats. Keep moving, cover lots of water, and concentrate your efforts on the prime locations.
The Lower Big Lost River is still flowing strong at about 600 CFS; we anticipate lower, fishable flows soon.
Floating the Salmon River is still a great option and will hold
on until we get some significantly cooler weather.
The South Fork Boise River is flowing at around 600 CFS—ideal flows for the wading angler. Look for the continued presence of Pink Alberts, Flavs, BWOs, and terrestrials.
As autumn gains its hold throughout the valley, streamer fishing on local waters can be extremely productive. Our custom-tied Sparkle Minnows are particularly deadly.
Fall is a spectacular time to be an angler in the Wood River Valley!
Happy fishing, everyone!