Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Fishing Report

by Bill Mason

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Over the past week, fishing has been quite strong. Hatches have been good, the fish are looking up and they want to eat. I guess you can’t ask for much more. The only thing different is that water levels are a bit higher than expected. It has created a situation that should helpful for the fishing in July. For the 4th of July weekend, let take a look at what we can expect.

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SILVER CREEK—With no real hatches of consequence on the water, fishing has been quite good. The Pale Morning Duns have not been abundant but Callibeatis has been strong enough to move fish on the surface. Thorax Callibeatis #16 and the Speckled Spinner #16 work nicely throughout the day. Although the PMD’s are sparse, it’s always wise to carry some PMD Parachutes and Cutwings #18, just in case. Ant patterns #16-20, Crowe Beatles and some Midge Pupa’s should round out your arsenal for some good surface activity. Flashback Pheasant Tails #14-16 are effective underneath. Fish populations are far better than last year so the Fourth should provide some good angling opportunities.

BIG WOOD RIVER—The recent rains have kept the Wood higher than I expected. If it continues, we should have some great mid- to late-season fishing. Hatches are very strong and the fish want to eat on the surface, which makes for a great time to be on the water. Hatchwise, the Green Drakes are beginning to fade but the fish are still looking for them. Using a Mason Green Drake #10-12 or a Gray Wulff works well. Also on the water throughout the day are the Western Quill, Cream Duns (Epeorus), Small Yellow Stones and Small Craneflys, rounding out a buffet of food for the fish to dine on. Para Adams #12-16, Yellow Para Adams #14-16, Yellow Stimulators #12-14, Yellow Craneflies #16, all will take fish. Nymphing has been unnecessary as of right now. Evening Caddis has also been strong. Partridge and Black Caddis #12-16 work nicely.

BIG LOST—Still carrying some water, bit it is fishing quite well. Most fish are taken with nymphs but some great dry fly fishing can be had because of the small yellow stone that comes out at this time of year, which provides some of the best and easiest dry fly fishing the entire summer. Fishing underneath, a big Prince Nymph#8-12 and Wine and Zebra Copper John’s #12-14 do the job. Yellow Simulator#12-14 will take fish on the surface. Take advantage of the Stonefly fish activity because it comes and goes quickly.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK— Not much going on in Trail Creek but Warm Springs has been fishing unusually well, producing not only good quantities of fish but some fish of size. No real hatch to be concerned with, so most fish are being taken with standard patterns such as regular and Yellow Para Adams #14-16, Para Hares Ear #14-18 and of course, regular and Bead Head Prince Nymphs #14-16.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Should be heavily planted over the Fourth which should provide some great fishing for those using bait, spinners and flies.

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