For the week of August 6 - 12, 2003

Fishing Report

by Bill Mason

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At present, fishing is pretty darn good but because water levels are lower then I expected for this time of year, more precise fishing methods are needed for success. I thought there would be higher water, so hatches I didn’t think would be relevant may now become very important. Let’s have a look at what’s going on.

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·  SILVER CREEK—
Fishing well mainly because of Trico. Although fish size is a tad smaller then in past year, pods or quantities of fish are good and with some larger fish being taken, the "Creek" is a good bet to fish. For Trico, our Dave’s Trico #22 does the job. Although I don’t expect it to last much longer, if PMD spinners fall in the middle of Trico, a Gray/Yellow No Hackle #18 works nicely. It’s also smart to carry a few Beatis Quill Spinners #22 just in case they make their presence known.

·  BIG WOOD RIVER—
Actually, the water levels on the Wood are lower than I thought they would be for this time of year. So, hatches I thought would not become important because of their size, now could become players. Keep in mind that smaller fly size and good fly presentation are needed to become successful. Standard patterns are still the norm. Regular and Yellow Parachute Adams #16-18, Rusty Spinners #13-18 and Bead Head Copper Jon’s #16 seem to be doing the best job, especially in the morning hours. In addition, Trico could be important in the flat water sections. In the afternoons, Hopper patterns are moving some good fish and a Parachute Hopper #12-14 seem to be doing the best job. Caddis in the evening is waning but a Rusty Spinner #16 works pretty well.

·  COPPER BASIN—
Fishing nicely in selected areas. Standard patterns are doing the best job. Parachute Hares Ear #14, Gulper Specials #14-16 and Parachute Hoppers #12-14 will take fish. Take note—as I write this, the road over Trail Creek has been closed because of a slide from the rains. Check before venturing over.

·  BIG LOST—
I can’t remember when the Big Lost was this low at this time of year. Running at 176 cfs, obviously, a new management policy is in place to conserve future water needs. As a result, fishing could be great. It’s still a nymphing situation using Copper Jon’s #14-16, Bead Head Prince #14-16, San Juan Worms and Flashback Pheasant Tails #16. Because of the low water, dry fly fishing could be great using Para Adams #14-16 and Crane Flies. Trico, as it was last year, will also become very important as well.

·  WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—
Because they are planted on a regular basis, both are fishing quite well with Trail Creek getting the nod. Parachute Adams, Humpy’s and Gulper Specials size 14-16 as well as Prince Nymphs #14 will take fish.

·  PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—
Also planted regularly and work well for both the bait and fly fishermen.

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