What is it about Memorial weekend where almost automatically, it goes from great weather to snowing? Is it bad karma or did someone say something to upset the fishing gods? It's getting to the point where it's hard to remember a nice Memorial Day.
Nevertheless despite the inclement weather, fishing was productive although limited over the holiday. As for the current and future water situation, it's one of those "good news, bad news," types of things. The good news is that the drop in water levels curtailed the flooding but the bad news is that we are far from out of the woods in terms of runoff.
As of Friday, we still had 104% of snow pack meaning that on a normal year, we would be just starting our runoff. Most alarming is that there is still 131% of water content in the snow pack. With the temperatures climbing this week, you can do the math. I wouldn't get rid of your sandbags just yet.
As for the fishing this week, it will remain limited. But the warmer weather should provide some good opportunities, especially on the surface.
Special note: For those of you willing to venture onto some of our reservoirs with boats, be cautious, for there are reports of flooding logs and debris that could cause havoc with boats.
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· SILVER CREEK—The creek actually produced quite well. But because of the cooler temperatures, except for some Midge activity, hatch activity was most mostly nil. As a result, most all fish were caught on nymphs and the types used were almost endless. The warmer weather should see some more scattered hatch activity in the form of Pale Morning Duns, Callibeatis spinners of course, Midges. What should work for the surface feeders are PMD Parachutes #16-18, Cut-Winged PMD Parachutes #16, Crippled PMD's #16-18, Partridge Spinners #16 and either Para Adams or Black Midges #20-22. Below the surface, your consistent bets include Flashback Pheasant Tails #14-16, Bead Head Hares Ear #14-16, Prince Nymphs #16 and PMD nymphs. Most activity should be late morning into the afternoon.
· BIG WOOD RIVER—Forget it and stay out of the way.
· BIG LOST/COPPER BASIN—The same things applies here as well. The same snow pack and water content exist in this drainage making for high dangerous water to fish.
· PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Should fish well with bait, spinners and flies.
