For the week of July 23 - 29, 2003

Fishing Report

by Bill Mason

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Although the fishing is decent on most of our streams, there is no question that the fishing is becoming more difficult and the fish are becoming picky, especially as it pertains to fly presentation. Fly selection is not critical as of yet but now skilled fishing technique and knowing were to go is now becoming the critical issue. In addition, this damn heat doesn’t help as well. Let’s see what cooking out there if you will accept my pun.

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SILVER CREEK—
"The Creek" hasn’t been too bad. Trico has been short lived but it’s just in the beginning stages This week should begin to tell the true story of the streams’ condition as the hatch reaches its full thrust. Fishing has been good below Kilpatrick Bridge and on the Conservancy but the fish have been smaller on the upstream portion. For Trico, our Dave’s Trico #22 does the job nicely. In addition, PMD Spinner’s will be seen and a Gray/Yellow No Hackle or a Cut-Wing PMD #18 will take fish. Also, Little Beatis Spinner’s may be seen and our Quill Beatis spinner should be carried just in case. Remember, the early bird gets the worm. Midday is dead.

BIG WOOD RIVER—
The Wood is fishing well but has gotten a great deal tougher. Multiple hatches are being seen but none that are producing actual visable surface activity. It doesn’t seem to matter because you can move fish to the surface using Parachute Adams and Para Hares Ear #14-16. Presentation and were you fish them is now critical. Sloppy casting won’t get you very far. In addition, we are also taking fish underneath using Bead Head Pheasant Tails and Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs #12-16. Yellow Para Adams is also a good bet.

COPPER BASIN—
Spotty but if you are willing to work a bit, there are decent numbers of fish to be had. Most of the better activity is up high using Para Adams both Yellow and regular#12-16, Prince Nymphs #12-14 and small Yellow Stimulators #14-16.

BIG LOST—
Still higher than I would like to see it but at 480 cfs the stream is workable. Most of the best fishing will be subsurface using Prince Nymphs #8-12, Copper Jons #10-12, Bead Head Soft Hackles #12-14 and San Juan Worms. Be careful wading.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—
Warm Springs is just OK and Trail Creek is fishing the better of the two. Yellow Para Adams#14-16 as well as A regular Para Adams seems to be the flies of choice.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—
Good fishing for planted fish for both the fly and bait fishermen.

 

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