Silver Creek shines during autumn. The fall bugs will hatch during the most pleasant part of the day, and the surrounding scenery on the creek is breathtaking.
We’re seeing excellent hatches of small Baetis/BWO (size 20–24) on the entirety of Silver Creek. The October Caddis and Mahogany Duns remain steady, and blind fishing an orange or tan Stimulator, Goddard Caddis or Elk-Hair Caddis in size 10–14 can be incredibly effective on breezy fall days.
Midges are becoming more prominent on the creek as well, and will continue to do so as the season progresses. Small Griffith Gnats, Parachute Midges and Tie-Down Midges in sizes 18–24 work well on the creek when paired with long, fine leaders.
The resident brown trout are starting to prepare for spawning, so in the next few weeks be aware of redds and spawning fish. Focus your attention on actively feeding fish, and if you’re tossing streamers, look to the deeper slots, undercut banks, and troughs on the creek. A day spent on the creek this time of year can be magical — ducks are flying, elk are bugling, and moose are on the move.
The Big Wood River is another gem. Again, small Baetis and midges are the ticket on the river right now if you’re in search of some dry-fly fishing, along with the Hecuba (Western Red Quill). Nymphing is extremely productive this time of year on the Wood, and fishing streamers on the lower river is the way to go when you are in search of big fish. Our custom-tied Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow is deadly.
The upper Big Lost River system and Salmon River continue to fish well, particularly in the afternoons, once the water temperature rises a bit. Look for small Baetis and the Hecuba; small attractor dries are especially effective.
The lower Big Lost River flows have dropped to a fishable level; however, the water is a bit off-color due to the draining of Mackay Reservoir. Fish can be caught with nymphs and streamers, although conditions are not ideal.
Now is a wonderful time to be an angler here in the Wood River Valley. Get out and enjoy some spectacular autumn fishing.
Happy fishing, everyone!