By BILL MASON
We're still in the throws of runoff, so fishing remains rather limited. What water has come down hasn't been as bad as I expected. Hopefully by the end of the week, everything will clear so we can fish more waters. Let's take a look:
SILVER CREEK—The creek is one of the few places where fishing has been decent. Hatches are a bit scattered and sparse with a few PMDs, Callibeatis spinners and some Beatis showing. For now, the most productive flies are Beetles and Black Ants #14-18. For these hatches, PMD Parachute #16, Cut-Wing PMD, #16, Speckled Spinner #16 and a Mason Quill Spinner #22 will take fish. Throwing a few Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymphs #14-16 can be effective.
BIG WOOD RIVER—For a while last week, the Wood was fishable north of Ketchum. As of Monday, even that was marginal. Because Trail Creek is causing most of our problems, the Wood south of Ketchum is too big and off-color to fish effectively. Perhaps by the end of the week or the weekend things will improve. If you're going, go north and Bead Head Wooly Buggers #8-10 should take a few fish. We'll be looking for the Green Drakes by next week.
BIG LOST—The water in Copper Basin and below the reservoir is too high to fish.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Although it's carrying some water, Warm Springs is clear and fishable. Bead Head and regular Prince Nymphs #12, Para Adams #14 and Yellow Simulators #12 have taken fish. Always the last system to clear, Trail Creek is not yet fishable.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Producing well with flies and bait.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Still holding winter levels which makes it easy to wade and very fishable. Parachute Hopper #8-10, Stonefly Nymphs #8, Prince Nymphs #8-10 and Stimulators #8 have taken some fish.
