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 are seeing excellent hatches of small Baetis/BWO (size 20–24) on the entirety of Silver Creek, along with a good showing of Callibaetis (size 16). 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 or size 16 Mahogany Duns can be incredibly effective on breezy fall days. The resident brown trout are starting to prepare for spawning in the next few weeks, so be aware of redds and spawning fish. Focus your attention on actively feeding fish, and if you are 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 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). For Baetis, a small (size 18–22) Spilt Flag Adams, Purple Haze, or Mercer’s Missing Link will fool plenty of fish, and large (size 10–14) Green Drake Patterns, Parachute Adams, and March Browns imitate the Hecuba. 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 on all our area fisheries.
The upper Big Lost River system and Salmon River continue to fish well, particularly in the afternoons once the water temperature rises a bit. Concentrate your fishing efforts after lunch and target the juiciest water on the mainstem and East Fork. Look for small Baetis, midges, and Hecubas. Small, subtle terrestrials can be particularly effective as well.
The lower Big Lost River flows have dropped to a fishable level; however, the water levels continue to fluctuate. Once flows stabilize, fishing will be excellent. Again, fall Baetis are a staple on the river, and your favorite attractor dry/dropper setups will move fish that are actively feeding. In addition, fish can be caught with nymphs and streamers.
And don’t forget the South Fork Boise River as well. The same flies and techniques used on the upper Big Lost River and Big Wood River are very effective on the South Fork and expect to see plenty of Pink Alberts as well (size 16).
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!