Fishing continues to be productive. All of our river systems are in prime mid-July shape. Hatches are getting sparse on some streams while on others, the hatch activity is at full strength and should continue through the course of next month. It is a great time to be on the water so let's take a look at what you can find out there.
SILVER CREEK—Pretty simple situation on the Creek. Trico is getting heavier by the day. The spinners begin to fall around 9:30 a.m. Dave's Trico Spinner #22 and a Harrop's Trico Spinner #20-22 readily take fish. This is followed by the little Beatis spinner. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is deadly. Callibeatis is also quite heavy particularly in the floating section and a Partridge Spinner #16-18 is a great imitation for this Mayfly. Damsels in the afternoon are a good bet.
BIG WOOD RIVER—A few Cream duns of E deceptiva and a few Western Quills are still seen in the afternoon but hatches in general are getting a little sparse. As a result, standard patterns are moving plenty of fish throughout the day. Parachute Adams #14-16, the Purple Haze #14, small Yellow Stimulator #14-16 and Parachute Hares Ear #14-16 are all taking fish. Copper Johns #12-14 and Prince Nymphs #14 are working underneath. In the evening, Caddis is getting stronger. Because it is easy to see at dusk, Parachute Caddis #14-20 will do the trick. In addition Rusty Spinners #16 can be deadly in the evening.
BIG LOST—Very mixed reports in the Basin. The biggest problem is finding suitable fish to catch. Standard patterns such as Para Adams and Para Hares Ear #12-16 will move fish when you can find them. The lower Lost at Mackay is still high enough that wading is still difficult. It can be fished in selected places but you have to be careful.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Salmon flies are out in quantity but at 1800 cfs, you will need to float the river to be successful. Wading the river at this water level is near impossible.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are at great water levels and are fishing nicely. Yellow Para Adams #14-16, Parachute Caddis #14-16 and Prince Nymphs are taking fish.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Always being planted with fish and therefore always productive using bait and flies. Still a great place to take kids to catch a few fish.
