For the week of June 25 - July 1, 2003

Fishing Report

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by Bill Mason

It’s obvious that the cooler weather has had a decided effect on both water levels and water clarity. Unfortunately, its probably only temporary for as it warms up, levels should rise and water colors will change prolonging any real serious fishing. How much snow pack is still left is anybody’s guess, but as of right now, fishing is available on all of our waters. The only other question is its productivity. Let’s have a look see.

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• SILVER CREEK—Not much of a change here. Depending on when the hatches appear, fishing remains fairly decent. The Pale Morning Dun and Callibeatis are still the main hatches you have to deal with and various fly patterns should be carried for both. PMD Parachutes #16-18, PMD Cripples #16-18, PMD and Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16 will take fish if PMD’s are around. Thorax, Speckled Spinners and Callibeatis Cripples #16 will do the job when the Speckled Duns are seen. There has been reports of the White Caddis being seen in the evening. Unfortunately, it’s not my most favorite hatch simply because it never really gets on the water. But if you are down there at that time, an Elk Hair Caddis or Partridge Caddis #14 might snag a few.
  
  

• BIG WOOD—Dropped considerably over the weekend due to the cooler weather but should climb back up as it warms. You might be able to move a few fish on the surface using big Stimulators, but for the most part, it’s still a nymphing situation with LOTS of weight to get the fly down. A host of flies will work but a Regular, Bead Head, and Rubber-Legged Prince Nymph #8-10, Green Drake Nymph #10, Golden Stone Nymph #8 and Copper Jon’s #10 seem to all work well in selected areas that can be fished effectively. A very few Green Drakes have been seen but not enough to worry about as yet. Hopefully, for great fishing, we will have low water levels when they do arrive. There is still some water volume out there so be carefull.
  

• BIG LOST—Running at the 680 cfs level, it’s still pretty damn tough to wade and fish productively.
  n COPPER BASIN—Water is clear but high and moving. The fish that were planted are spread out thus making it tough to find them. The same holds true for the North Fork. Tens days from now could be great.
  
  

• WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are clear and fishable but for my money, Warm Springs would get the nod. Having been planted, I would fish in the Frenchman Bend area using Parachute Adams #14, Stimulators #12-14 and Prince Nymphs #12-14. 
  
  

• PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—As usual, with planted fish, fishing is very good. Flies such as Yellow Para Adams#14-16, Midges #16-18, Scuds #16, and small Prince Nymphs #16 take fish. Bait also works well. 

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