Fishing Report
by Bill Mason
As I have continually said through the month of August, fishing not only has maintained consistency, it has been very good with very willing fish who want to eat your fly. In addition, we are beginning to move larger fish both on and beneath the surface, which is not often the easiest of task for August. The cooler weather has obviously helped.
SILVER CREEK?The creek just keeps on producing. Although the trout size is not quite the average we will see next year, they are in good quantity and have already gone to school majoring in selectivity (we never get a break). Trico is pretty much finished but it?s still wise to carry a few Dave?s Trico and HJi-Viz Trico Spinners #22, just in case. Beatis is still the dominant player throughout the morning. A Mason Beatis Quill Spinner #22 is deadly. A Mason Beatis Nymph #19-20 is a deadly alternative. Although I haven?t actually fished the afternoons, I would begin to seriously look for Callibeatis in the floating pond area, where the emergence of duns can provide some spectacular fishing. Our Thorax Callibeatis Dun #18 and eventually #20?s, will do the job. In addition, Callibeatis Nymphs and Cripples #18 are also effective.
BIG WOOD RIVER?The Wood amazes me. It keeps on producing some great fishing. With the afternoon cloud cover, we are actually finding some bigger fish both on and underneath the surface. It may not be the easiest of conditions but believe me, I?ve seen it a lot tougher. The main morning hatches are Trico and the Salmon Duns of Heptagenia in the afternoon. A Parachute Adams #18-20 is still the fly of choice for Trico. My Mason Para Salmon Dun or Special Pink Albert tie #16-18 moves fish. We are also using a variety of nymphs but a Flashback Peasant Tail #16 seems best for the better fish. Although it?s a September hatch and in past years, I have seen some emerge in late August, we have observed a few Red Quills of T. hecuba drifting about the water. If this continues, watch out! Therefore, carrying a few Mason Red Quills #10-12 may not be such a bad idea. I will keep date on this beauty.
BIG LOST?Hasn?t been particularly easy but it too has been fishing quite well if you are willing to work at it. Presentation is the key and precise casting is needed for success. Trico is the main hatch and occurs in the morning. Parachute Adams #20 will work, if and when the spinners hit the water. In the afternoon, our big Cranefly #8 imitation will get the attention of and move some of the bigger fish. Nymph fishing success comes and goes. Some days are good and other can be mediocre. Small Flashback Pheasant Tails #16 and Copper John?s #14-16 seem to do the best. With the cooler weather, a big Prince might stir a few big fish as well.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK?Both have been fishing nicely for smaller but fun fish using Elk Hair Caddis, Para Adams, Gulper Specials and Prince Nymphs #14-18.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK?For sure, these bodies of water will be heavily planted prior to Labor Day and should fish well using bait, spinners and flies.
