Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Fishing Report

by Bill Mason

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Despite Thursday’s torrid rain glitch that created slides up Trail Creek and Baker Creek thus blowing the Big Wood, fishing has or had been quite good. Afternoon thunderstorms creating off-color water were quite common in years past but in recent years, where rain in general has been scarce, we did not have not had to deal with these conditions. Now it looks as though this situation may persist through the summer. Fortunately, other streams have come on line giving us a safety valve or some alternative places to fish. Let have a look see at where they are.

 

SILVER CREEK—The good news is Trico has started. Although it is far from its peak, there are lots of fish up and feeding, relieving our past fear about the Creek’s fish population. In addition, Beatis Spinners are seen in the tail end of the Tricos and Pale Morning Dun Spinner fall in the middle of the hatch. Fly patterns needed are pretty straightforward and to the point. Dave’s Trico Spinner and a Hi-Viz Trico Spinner #22 as well as a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 and some Cut-Winged PMD’s should just about cover the hatches depending upon when and what hatch the fish are working to. Damselfly’s and Callibeatis will work well in the afternoon.

BIG WOOD RIVER—The Wood was fishing quite well until the rains came and muddied the waters last weekend. The weather calls for hot and dusty conditions through the weekend so the Wood should be back to its normal self. Regular and Yellow Para Adams #16-18, Para Hares Ear #18 and Stimulators #14-16 are taking fish on the surface and standard, everyday nymph patterns such as Bead Head Prince#12-14, Bead Head Pheasant Tails #14-16, Flashback Pheasant Tails #14-16 and Zebra Copper Johns #14 work underneath. In general, it’s time to get small in fly size, so you might as well get used to it.

BIG LOST—Talk about a flip-flop in how we are approaching the Lost for this time of year. Normally, most all of our fishing success comes with the nymph. But this year, you can’t even catch a cold when going underneath. So all of the fishing is on the surface using Stimulators #12-16 and Parachute PMD’s #16-18, which I might add is not all that bad. All I can say is go figure, for it’s that far out of the norm.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Trail Creek was blown out from the rains so not much to report. Warm Spring has been clear and fishable and has produced some nice albeit small trout. Para Adams #16,Olive Stimulators #16, Para Caddis #16 and Prince Nymphs are all taking fish.

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