Fishing across the region continues to produce as summer conditions persist. On all of our fisheries, be aware of water temperatures and use good judgment when hitting the river.
Silver Creek is most productive during the coolest parts of the day. This means very early morning and again at dusk. Early mornings have seen reliable Trico hatches, along with the ever present BWOs. During the late evening, look for a smattering of bugs – Callibaetis, BWO, and small black Caddis. We are still seeing Callibaetis, damsels, beetles, and ants during the middle of the day, and grasshoppers are now on the menu as well. A warm, breezy afternoon can trigger some exceptional terrestrial fishing. Flows on Silver Creek are just above 90 CFS, and for the moment, water temperatures have stayed out of the danger zone.
Currently flowing at 235 CFS, the Big Wood River is in great shape. While Green Drakes are about done on the river, fish are still looking up for a variety of Stoneflies, Mayflies, Caddis, attractors, and terrestrials. Look for fish feeding in fast, well-oxygenated water. Dry-dropper rigs are always a great choice on the Big Wood.
The Salmon River is dropping quickly and fishing very well. Flows at the Yankee Fork gauge are at 800 CFS, making the river suitable for floating and wading. Fish are eating Yellow Sallies and Golden Stoneflies readily, along with Caddis and grasshoppers. This is a great time to fish the Salmon.
At 411 CFS, the Lower Lost River is running a little high, making wading challenging in most areas. However, if you can access some softer edges or side channels, big foam attractors and hopper patterns have been producing solid eats. Anglers can expect to encounter PMDs, small Stoneflies, and Craneflies on the river, creating solid opportunities for dry-fly action action. Nymphing should remain effective on the Lower Lost, and those swinging or stripping streamers may find some impressive fish along the way.
The Upper Lost is flowing at 206 CFS and is in good shape. Expect classic high-country dry-fly fishing with smaller Stoneflies and a host of terrestrials working well. Look for fish in deep pockets, along undercut banks, and in faster riffles.
Flowing at 1,620 CFS, the South Fork is still best suited for float trips. Nymphing and streamer fishing have been productive, though you’ll want to keep an eye on flows if you’re planning to wade. Salmonflies, Pink Alberts and Caddis are the dry flies of choice this time of year.
Please stop by and see us or call the shop for up-to-the-minute flow, river reports, and fly recommendations.
Happy fishing everyone!
