Fishing has been quite steady and for the upcoming Labor Day weekend, it should not only remain the same but we should actually see improvement in moving the better fish. New hatches will begin to establish themselves and the fishing should get more exciting with each passing day. For the holiday weekend, let's take a look at what you can expect to see and find:
· SILVER CREEK—The little Beatis Spinner (like a bad dream, it never seems to go away) has been decent and somewhat reliable, whereas Trico has been reduced to a smattering. Regardless, if you plan to fish the morning hatches, you need to be armed with both imitations, for you never know what may surprise you. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 and a Dave's Trico as well as a Hi-Viz Trico #22 needs to be in your fly box. As I have said all along, Callibeatis Duns in the upper and lower pond near Kilpatrick Bridge has gotten stronger and will continue to do so into September. A Thorax Speckled Dun #18-20 will take fish in the channels next to weed beds. As the fish get more selective, a Crippled Callibeatis #18 may be needed to take fish. Callibeatis Nymphs #18 are also not a bad bet to carry as well. Reports of Callibeatis Spinners at dusk has also been reported.
· BIG WOOD RIVER—We are catching a great deal of small fish using Regular, Purple and Yellow Parachute Adams #16-18, Para Hares Ear #18 and Para Hoppers #12-14 for the occasional better fish. Although the hatch of the Red Quills (T. hecuba) has not been seen to any extent, we have begin fishing the imitation randomly and moving some very nice trout. Clearly, there has been a few bugs hatching and it has got the attention of the fish. Remember, we are still in the very early stages of this hatch and it will not be seen in great quantities nor reach a peak until mid-September but fishing flies blind, can bring success. A Mason Red Quill #10-12 and my new Red Quill Cripple #10-12 does the job like nothing else.
· COPPER BASIN—Reports have been scattered but there has been some reported successes throughout the East Fork. Standard pattern seem to be doing the job but it is still a place we shy away from on guide trips—just a little too risky.
· BIG LOST—Boy, when the farmers have water to irrigate, they use it until it runs out. Just when I think the water level will drop, they bump it back up. Such is the case and at 395 cfs, the river is fishable but certainly not ideal. As a result, Trico is being missed and the best success is coming from nymphing with Bead Head Prince #10-12, B.H. Soft Hackles #12-14and Copper Johns #12-16. Craneflys are still being seen as well as some Caddis in the evenings.
· WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both have been a little slow in the upper portions of both streams but with the holiday weekend coming, both should be planted heavily for the final time this year and fishing should be quite good. Para Adams #14 and a Prince Nymph #12-14 should be all you need to catch fish.
· PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—As is the case of Warm Springs and Trail Creek, both lakes will be heavily stocked and will be a great place to take the kids and for novices fishermen alike. Bait, flies and lures should all be effective.
