Recent winter weather has boosted the snowpack in the region, and we expect some additional moisture during the next couple of weeks. With more of this cloudy, wintery weather ahead of us, we can expect good midge hatches, and more fish out and about looking to eat under the dark skies.
Silver Creek has been fishing well. The fishing varies from decent to excellent, depending on what day you fish and how happy the fish are. The one thing you can count on is the big fish will be out under the dark sky and under the cover of the dark water. When this happens, anglers have their best chance of the season to lay into a very big brown trout and even some good-sized rainbows. Streamer fishing is the name of the game on the Creek in the winter, so come armed, or stop by the fly shop and we’ll get you the right patterns. Coffey’s Sparkle Minnow is a top choice, as are small baitfish imitations and black leeches.
The Big Wood seems to always fish well when we see winter storms. The fish and insects in this river react to low-pressure systems, and good hatches get the fish up and eating, even during the duration of the heaviest snowfalls. Nymphing with Rubber Legs, Girdle Bugs, Rainbow Warriors and Zebra Midges is productive, as is swinging olive sculpin imitations.
If you haven’t been to the lower Lost River in some time, think about making a trip between storms and staying for a few days in Mackay. This can be a great little respite for local anglers looking to get out of town for a few days, and it’s a great option for visitors looking for a slightly different experience than the Big Wood. Use your Big Wood River arsenal of flies and techniques.
The South Fork of the Boise is another option, but try to avoid the canyon when winter weather sets in. It is not uncommon to drive all the way to the hill above the dam, only to find it closed from top to bottom.
Get out and have fun in this weather, but please be safe doing it.
Happy fishing, everyone!