Fishing over the next several days will be slow with the arrival of this colder weather. As nighttime temperatures dip into the teens, it takes a considerable amount of time for local waters to warm up a few degrees and for fish to become active. Any fishing will be best suited to sunny days during the mid-afternoon. If you decide to brave the cold and hit the water, be careful out there. A spill in the river this time of year can potentially be serious. Use caution when wading and don’t take any chances.
As temperatures rise toward the end of the week, look to the Big Wood River and Silver Creek. Fishing subsurface will be the ticket. On Silver Creek, small black leeches fished very slowly are a good way to produce fish. Swing these bugs along undercut banks and through deeper water. Please remember that fishing on The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve closed at the end of November! Fishing on Silver Creek will be limited to Kilpatrick Pond and the river downstream of the Highway 20 bridge.
On the Big Wood River, lower Big Lost River and South Fork of the Boise, tandem nymph rigs fished through typical winter holding water (slow runs, pools and glides) will take fish. For the lead fly, use something that gets the attention of sluggish trout—large rubber legs, girdle bugs, yuk bugs, princes, and san juan worms are all good choices. Downsize dropper nymphs to size 18–24; zebra midges, brassies, copper johns, and rainbow warriors are all good bets.
Any surface activity will be limited to midges during the afternoons, so look for feeding fish along foam lines and slower eddies.
During the coldest part of winter, it pays to take a look at your gear and determine what needs to be repaired, replaced or rejected. If you take care of your gear, it will take care of you.
Stay safe and warm out there…
Happy fishing, everyone!