Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Fishing Report
by Bill Mason

---

A new fishing season is upon us and unlike in past years, a few more questions need to be answered: (1) What the season will bring, and (2) how each river drainage will react to the unusual, early water condition? Over my 32 years, I have seen early, low water conditions but not when we had a rather normal snow-pack year. If everything stays the same, mid- and late-season fishing will be quite interesting to say the least. Hatches will be a week to 10 days earlier then normal. Later on, fishing skills as well as patience will be tested. As for Opening Day, fishing probably will be quite good for all river systems, although not perfect, should be at least fishable. Let’s have a peak at what’s available.

---

SILVER CREEK— Questions, Questions. Has the stream’s rainbow population began its recovery and returned to what has been seen in past years? Unfortunately, the first few weeks of June, because hatches and fish can be inconsistent and scattered, the true nature of what we have, will not really be unveiled until latter in the season. At least we might know what to expect. Depending upon weather, you should find scattered, sparse hatches of the Pale Morning Dun, some Callibeatis Duns on Sullivan’s and a few Callibeatis spinners on the Creek itself. Some Beatis spinners might be seen but it’s a long shot. Fortunately, the fish will not be selective so a variety of things will work. P.M.D. Parachutes #16, Thorax Callibeatis Duns and Parttridge Spinners #16 and a Quill Beatis Spinner should work for what surface activity is found. In addition, Black Midge and Midge Pupa #18-20 and Ant patterns can be effective. Nymphing with P.M.D. and Pheasant Tail nymphs #14-16. will also work wonders and small Wooly Buggers #10-12.can bring on some vicious takes from fish. As I pointed out, you can see that many things can and will be successful. You just have to make the cast.

BIG WOOD RIVER— Because of the weekend weather, the river actually did drop to 391 CFS from 603 but for Opening Day, it should be clear and quite fishable. Maybe a big Adams Parachute, Stimulator or a Parachute Adams#10-12 may entice a few fish off the bottom but because hatches will be sparse or non existent, I would not look for much in the way of successful dry fly fishing. As a result, one should expect that nymph fishing, with a bit of weight added will be the most productive method for taking fish. Fly pattern choices should be pretty simple. Regular and Bead Head Prince #10-12, Copper John’s #12-14, Green Drake Nymphs #10 and Golden Stones Nymph #8 should do the job. A Wooly Bugger #8-10’s might also be quite effective. A word of cautions—the river my look docile but there is still some water volume flowing. Be careful wading out there.

BIG LOST—The good news is that unlike last year when the irrigation district kicked the water loose on Opening Day, this year irrigating season has already started and the water levels are actually down from two weeks ago. Since the reservoir will only fill halfway this year, water conservation is probably on their mind. At 391 cfs, the water level is not ideal and getting around will not be easy but the stream will be very fishable. Surface activity will probably be marginal but nymph fishing should be good using the old standby’s, regular and Bead Head Prince #8-10, Copper Johns #10-12, Crane Fly Larva #8-10, and Black/Olive and Varigated Brown Wooly Buggers #8 should move a few fish. Carrying a few Para Adams in various size’s, is also not a bad bet.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Clear and fishable but probably won’t be at their best. Might catch a few using standard patterns such as Para Adams and Prince Nymphs.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Probably planted for opening day, both bodies of water should fish well using both flies, bait and spinners of your choice.

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.