Fishing continues to be productive and should get even better, with the advent of new hatches that are about 10 days earlier than normal. September could be a real mystery. I guess the only thing I can say is, "it will be what it is". Let's check it out:
SILVER CREEK—Not much new other than most of the fishing has moved from late morning into the afternoon. The little Beatis spinner is still prevalent and seen in the late morning. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 will readily take fish. More and more Callibeatis duns are being seen in the afternoon in the floating section. A Thorax Speckled Dun #18 as well as a Crippled Callibeatis #18 will do the job. Look for this hatch to appear in and around big weed beds. We are also taking some fish with Blue Damsel flies and Callibeatis nymphs.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Has been fishing very well. The big news is that a few Red Quills have begun to appear. Upon closer examination, the rocks are covered with the nymphs. That could mean a banner year for this great hatch with some monster trout being hooked. Although it's still early, it's not a bad idea to carry both Mason Red Quill #10-12 and our Crippled Red Quill #12, for the fish should be looking for this big bug. Mornings have seen good hatches of Trico and a Para Adams #16-18 work nicely. This can also work into the afternoon when Beatis appear. Fish are also being taken on Copper Johns and now, Red Quill Nymphs #12. Hoppers have been somewhat iffy. Some fish will take the imitation while many others will refuse it. That said, it's still not a bad arrangement for a Hopper/ Dropper situation.
BIG LOST—It's slowly dropping below the reservoir, although it is still not ideal. Fish are being taken both on the surface with Para Adams #14-16 and underneath with Prince Nymphs #12 and Copper Johns #12. A few fish are being caught with Crane Fly imitations. Copper Basin has been hit or miss. They have planted some very large Rainbows and Cutthroat in the area and if you find them, fishing can be exceptional. You just need to know where to go. Prince Nymphs and Yellow Para Adams #14 seem to work quite well.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Until the fire situation subsides, Warm Springs is out of the picture, other than close to town. You can't get past the lifts anyway. Trail has been producing for small fish using Para Hares Ears #14-16.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Once again, Penny Lake is closed off to access and with the amount of smoke in the air, Lake Creek will be very unpleasant to fish. Hopefully we can get this damn fire out soon and get on with our business.
