Once again, I may sound like a broken record but fishing has not changed much in the last few weeks and continues to be very productive on most all our water systems. The fishing consistency is a bit unusual for this time of year when normally we move into the dog days of August. Unfortunately, as some hatches begin to wane and new ones appear, changes will begin to take place. Let's take a look at what you can expect to find out there.
SILVER CREEK— The only real change on the Creek is that the PMDS, both in the evening and more importantly the spinners in the morning, have pretty much run their course. This is not unusual, as I have never gotten much beyond the 15th of August with this hatch. That said, Trico and to a lesser degree Beatis is still our main player. For Trico, a Dave's Trico and a Harrop Trico Spinner #22 work quite well. For the Beatis, which has not been quite as significant this year as in the past, a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is deadly. Worth noting, with each passing day and week, Trico will begin to wane with the quantity and duration slipping on a daily basis. Although it is early, you may want to look for Callibeatis Duns in the floating section. It's really a strong September hatch, but it can get started in late August. A Thorax Partridge Dun #18 will take fish in the afternoon.
BIG WOOD- From a hatch point of view, not much is going on. Even Beatis is in short supply, which is unusual, but it also doesn't seem to matter too much. Fish are readily taking a variety of flies such as Para Adams #16-18, Yellow Para Adams #16, Gulper Specials #18 and Para Hares Ear #18 with good results. Although the fish on the surface still tend to run smaller in size, the better fish underneath can be had with Copper John's #12-14 and Bead Head Pheasant Tails #16-18. A few Trico are being seen, but not in the quantity we normally see.
BIG LOST- The Basin or the East Fork is still up in the air and a bit spotty but the Lost below the reservoir is fishing quite nicely. Additionally, the water levels are such wading and water management is very good. Trico has been a bit sparse. As a result, the best fishing is sub-surface using Prince Nymph #12-14, Copper John's #14, Pheasant Tails #14-16 and Crane Fly Larva #10. Skating Crane Fly on the water can be hit or miss but very exciting.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK— Both are very low, but also very fishable using small standard pattern. Either Parachute Adams #16-18, Royal Wulff #16 or a Para Hares Ear #18 is about all you need for success. If all else fails, a Prince Nymph #16 works nicely too.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK— Planted regularly, it's a great place to take kids and fish can be caught with flies or bait.
