Conditions aren't perfect but the fishing is getting better each passing day. Hatches are stronger on all of our streams. Fish are seriously beginning to look up and feed on the surface. Because water levels are rapidly dropping, I suspect this could be a banner week for fishing on most river systems. Let's take a peak:
SILVER CREEK—Hatches are getting stronger. PMD's and Callibeatis are still present but the small Beatis spinner is now making its presence known. Trico is almost two weeks early. It isn't strong, but Trico is creating enough activity that imitation patterns need to be carried. For the PMD's and Callibeatis, a Para PMD #16-18 and Cut-Wing PMD #16 will do the trick. Partridge Spinner and Crippled Callibeats #16 will work if the speckled spinners are on the water. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is deadly when Beatis appears. For the Black and Whites, a Dave's Trico Spinner and a Harrop Trico Spinner #22 should do the job. A few foam Ants and Beatles should be part of your arsenal as well.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Higher than I'd like, but the Wood is dropping at a significant rate each day. Hatches are getting stronger with typical July diversity. Green Drakes are seen but as yet are not overly abundant. A few Western Quills, Small Yellow Stoneflies, some Pink Albert's (Heptagenia) and even some big Caddis are seen throughout the day, particularly in the early afternoon. Fly patterns are quite varied. Hair Winged and Regular Green Drakes #12, Parachute Adams #12-14, Pink Albert's #14-16, Yellow Stimulators #12-14 and Parachute Caddis #12 will all move and take fish. Surprisingly, there is some midge activity. A Zebra Midge Pupa #16-18 fished off a dropper fly was quite deadly over the weekend. As the water drops, this week could be great.
BIG LOST—Copper Basin is also rapidly dropping. Although the fish are not as abundant, fishing is quite good. Most of the same hatches you find on the Wood are present on the East Fork only in greater quantity. Para Adams, #12-16, Yellow Stimulator #10-14, Para PMD #14-16 and Para Purple Haze #14-16 are about all you need. Copper Johns and Prince Nymphs #12-14 will also work. Below the reservoir the water is high making wading quite difficult.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Water levels have finally gone up and will continue to climb, making wading impossible. Your only means of getting around will be floating. Salmon Flies should kick loose this week. A variety of Salmon Fly patterns should do the job.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are a little high but very fishable. Parachute Adams #14, Prince Nymphs #12-14, Para Caddis #12-14 and Para Purple Haze # 14 will all move some fish.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Heavily stocked over the weekend. You'll find fishing on both is very good using bait and flies.
