Friday, June 13, 2008

Fishing Report by Bill Mason


Unfortunately, things have remained about the same as last week. Summer still hasn't arrived. That is prolonging the runoff and delaying some hatches. The wind has also been a problem, particularly on Silver Creek. Other than that and having said that, the fishing has been pretty good. In addition, because of the cooler weather, irrigators are not calling for water. That opens additional option for fishing. Let's take a look at what we have.

SILVER CREEK—If you can find a day when the wind doesn't blow, things would definitely be better. That's because the hatches have been very good for this time of year. Surprisingly, the PMDs have been stronger than we've seen in past seasons. Working nicely are PMD Parachute #16 and a Cut-Wing Para PMD #16. Callibeatis has been strong and a Partridge Spinner #16 will turn a few heads. In addition, PMD Cripples and Callibeatis Cripples #16-18 are effective. Beatis spinners have been seen and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 will work if the wind is down. The bad news is the weather has slowed the Brown Drakes, which in normal years would be over by now. It can't hold off much longer and if it warms by the end of the week, I certainly would be heading down to the Creek for this great evening hatch. It very well could be over with very quickly this year, so you need to be ready.

BIG WOOD RIVER— Still high but clear and fishable. You still have to carefully pick your spots. But if you can find back eddies and some quiet water behind obstructions, Bead Head Wooly Buggers #8-10 can be very effective. You might even throw a big Yellow Stimulator #8-10 and get some results. Once again, be careful wading the river.

BIG LOST—Haven't had a report about Copper Basin but the river is still too high to fish effectively. The flow below the reservoir is also high enough to make wading and fishing in a productive manner, well, there's no other way to say it.....difficult.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both streams are clear but there is still a good deal of water flowing in a confined space. You might be able fish a Prince Nymph #10-12 in certain spots but things are still a bit marginal.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—A good example of what the weather has done for irrigation needs. It is still running at its winter and late summer level of 600 cfs. Normally by this time of year it's running at 1500 making it only accessible by floating. It's still early, but I would be armed with some Salmon Flies (Orange Stimulators #8) and Black Stone Fly Nymphs #8. Some Parachute Caddis #12, Para Adams #12-16, Prince Nymphs #10-12 and some large Copper Johns would round out my selection.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Still a good bet to catch fish especially if kids are involved. Both lies and bait are effective.




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