Fishing season is NOT closed on all area waters. The waters that are closed include Silver Creek, the Big Wood River and the South Fork Boise River. Waters that remain open include the Big Lost River, the Little Wood River and the Salmon River for steelhead fishing. All lakes, reservoirs, ponds and canals remain open to fishing, as well.
The Big Lost River generally moves to the top of anglers’ lists in April and May, as it is open for fishing year-round and can be quite productive. Lately, the Big Lost River below the dam in Mackay has been fishing very well. Red Copper Johns, San Juan Worms, Red Rainbow Warriors and even basic egg patterns will work great.
There is also great dry-fly opportunity on the Lost given the right day and conditions. Baetis (Blue-Winged Olives) are bringing fish to the surface. This hatch starts on warm days after the morning chill is long gone. Fish Parachute Adams in a size 18 or your favorite Silver Creek Baetis patterns. Midge activity can be hot, as well.
Please be sure to watch out for the rainbow redds in the river and DO NOT step into these areas. These cleared gravel patches hold the future trout population on the Lost, so please be mindful. This exact same thing can be said if you look for steelhead on the Salmon River.
Salmon River steelhead are getting caught in the upper reaches. Expect this action to pick up as we move further into spring weather. The steelhead are best caught swinging a fly in the waters closer to Challis. Moving closer to Stanley, the strike indicator nymphing method is your best bet as the fish enter large pocket water sections.
Don’t ignore the lakes and reservoirs in the spring as the ice-out conditions make for fabulous fishing. Look for rocky points and inlets/outlets of feeder streams and rivers.
Happy fishing, everyone!