Now that Labor Day weekend is past and the throngs of people have departed, we're entering a time when fishing is at its best. A full moon is coming—and that's never a fisherman's best friend—but presently the fishing is about the same as it has been the past week. Some days are great. Others can be downright tough. As new hatches appear, the tough days should disappear. As a general rule most of the best fishing will be found in the late morning into the afternoon. By the way, I'll move to a bi-weekly column for the rest of September so I'll talk to you in a couple of weeks. Let's take a look:
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· SILVER CREEK—Not many changes. Beatis in the late morning is dwindling but it's still present. A Mason Quill Spinner #22 is the fly of choice. Most of the best fishing will occur in the afternoon in the floating pond areas. Callibeatis Duns continues to be a great hatch. Thorax Speckled Duns #18, Crippled Callibeatis #18 and Callibeatis Nymphs #18 should be carried and will work depending on what the fish are doing or working on. It's not a bad idea to carry the above patterns in size 20s as well. Callibeatis will be around for two to three weeks so have fun out there.
· BIG WOOD RIVER—Fishing very well but there are days when the fish can get very picky. Fly size remains the main issue, instead of fly pattern. Cheating a little, I've tried to fish size 16s with success but there is a decided difference in reaction of the fish when you drop down to 18s and even 20s. Parachute Adams, Para Hares Ear and Parachute Blue Winged Olive will take fish, if sizes are right. Hoppers have taken fish but to mixed reviews. Red Quill has been seen but certainly not enough to get the attention of the trout. Hopefully that will change in the coming week. It's always wise to carry my Red Quill Dun #10-12 and our Crippled Red Quill #10-12. A Red Quill Nymph or a Green Drake Nymph #10 (same size and coloration) can be very effective.
· BIG LOST—The East Fork continues to kick out some decent fishing using a variety of standard patterns. Stimulators #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #14 and Parachute Adams #14-16 have all taken fish. As for the river below the reservoir, I guess at 450 cfs, you might want to take a run at it but in my opinion, it is still somewhat marginal fishing. If you decide to fish the gate at the dam, big weighted nymphs are the method of choice for success. Be careful wading.
· WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both fishing nicely for small but active fish. Standard fly patterns such Stimulators #16, Para Adams #16, Gulper Specials #16 and regular and Bead head Prince Nymphs #14-14 will take fish. The water is low and the conditions are great to have some fun.
· PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Labor Day weekend was the last time both of these waters will be planted for the year. Both should have ample holdover from the weekend and should fish nicely using bait and especially flies.
