Fishing Report
by Bill Mason
I may sound like a broken record, but the fishing continues to be very good and I see no reason for it to change for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. The weather outlook, which would be the disrupting influence, seems to be fine for the week, therefore, all systems seem to be a ?go? for some productive angling opportunities. Let?s take a look at what you can expect.
SILVER CREEK?Most everything is shifting into the afternoon. Midday, Beatis spinners are the main players and will continue into the late afternoon. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is very effective throughout the time period. A Mason Beatis Nymph #18-20 will also take fish. Although the wind has been coming up in the P.M. hours, finding Callibeatis Duns in the lower pond below Kilpatrick has not been the easiest of tasks. Regardless, they are still there and will get stronger in September. The dun tends to be smaller at this time of year. As a result, a Thorax Callibeatis Dun #18 will be needed. Crippled Calibeatis #18-20 and Callibeatis Nymphs #18 will also be effective.
BIG WOOD RIVER?There is no real hatch of consequence seen on the water but it really doesn?t seem to make a difference. Any pattern, as long as it?s a parachute and small, seems to be doing the job. Therefore, a Para Adams #18-20 is as good as any fly out there. Trico is seen but has not been hitting the water. Also seen but still very spotty is hecuba (Red Quill). Therefore Mason Red Quill #10-12 and Parachute Hares Ear #12 have been moving some good fish. Remember, the Red Quill is never an overwhelming hatch but it doesn?t really need to be. The size of the fly dictates its importance. Now that it?s being seen in late August as it once was, September could be a month that fishing dreams are made of.
BIG LOST?Fishing nicely. Trico is on the water in the morning and a tiny Beatis is seen in the afternoon, thus making some very nice surface fishing throughout the day. A Parachute Olive Beatis #20 and Parachute Adams #20-22 will take fish but will require a good presentation to be successful. Bead Head Soft Hackles #16-18, Prince Nymph #12, Copper John?s #16 and Flashback Pheasant Tails #16 take fish below the surface. Carrying some big Cranefly imitations isn?t a bad idea.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK?Both should receive their final planting for the holiday. Therefore, fishing should be excellent using various kinds of bait, spinners and flies. Selectivity will not be the order of the day.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK?Also will be planted but how much, remains to be seen. Fishing should be good using standard dries such as Parachute Adams #16, Elk Hair Caddis, and Prince Nymphs underneath.
