Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Fishing Report

by Bill Mason


Although hatches on a day-to-day basis have been a bit inconsistent and transitional, fishing has been quite good. This week, things may jump around a bit but I do look for the good production to continue. Let's have a look-see at what you might find.

· SILVER CREEK—As expected and depending where you are, Trico is getting very inconsistent and short-lived. One day it's good and the next day it produces little hatch at all. Beatis is somewhat the same. It certainly is worthwhile to fish the morning hatch but it will be a bit like rolling dice. Our Dave's Trico, High-Viz Trico and a Mason Beatis Spinner, all in size 22, will do the job. Callibeatis Duns in the pond section will be the new hatch of choice and will get stronger with each week. Don't look for it on the main stream because you will not find it. Callibeatis also gets smaller then you will find it in June and July. A Thorax Speckled Dun #18-20 (September especially), Crippled Callibeatis #18-20 and a Callibeatis Nymph #16-18 will do the job in the afternoon.

· BIG WOOD RIVER—Moving the big fish is still tough but it's getting better. Fishing for smaller fish is quite easy using Parachute Hares Ear #16-18, Para Yellow Adams #18 and a Parachute Hopper #12-14. We are also beginning to see good nymph movement to the stream edges of T. hecuba (Red Quill), which is exciting. Although it is early—a good week to 10 days away from breaking loose—you might want to carry a few of our Red Quill Duns and our NEW Red Quill Cripple #10-12. In addition, a Hares Ear Nymph and a Green Drake Nymph #10-12 (they are very close to hecuba) can be very effective. For this hatch, things are lookin' good and could be a dandy this year.

· COPPER BASIN—Where you choose to fish will determine your success. It is that scattered, unfortunately. Basic dry fly patterns including small Stimulators will take fish if you find them.

· BIG LOST—Still running higher than I would like to see for this time year. But fishing has been very good. It is still a little tough get around, however. Craneflies are still effective and of course, nymphing will produce the most fish. Soft Hackle Bead Heads #12, Prince Nymphs #10-12, Wine, Zebra and Regular Copper Johns #12-14 seem to move fish. Trico in very selected places (water too high) can also be found.

· WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are fishing nicely but for small fish. Regardless, it can be fun and a great learning experience for the novice or kids. Para Adams #14-16, Humpy's #14-16 and little Prince 316 does the trick.

· PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Both are fishing well with Penny Lake getting the nod from this corner. As we approach Labor Day weekend (can you believe it!), both will be planted heavily so success should be good. Flies, bait and spinners are effective.




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