Friday, September 12, 2008

Fishing Report by Bill Mason


Since Labor Day weekend, fishing has remained strong. Since some of our best fishing is found in September and October, it should get stronger with each passing week until it gets too cold to fish. Cooler mornings will cause most of our fishing to occur late morning into most of the afternoon. So, sleeping in, a late breakfast or an extra cup of coffee will be just what the doctor ordered. It's a great time of year to be on the water. Let's take a look at what's going on now and for the next couple of weeks.

SILVER CREEK—All of our morning spinner fall activity is gone, leaving a very strong Callibeatis emergence in the floating section in the afternoon. Remember, these are duns and not spinners. As a result, a Thorax Speckled Dun #18-20 or a Parachute Speckled Dun #18-20 will take fish. With each passing day the fly does get smaller and size #20 will be needed. Crippled Callibeatis #18 and Callibeatis Nymphs #18 can also be fruitful. This hatch should last another 10 days when it will be replaced with our fall Blue Winged Olive. The small Beatis spinner is still around and a Mason Beatis Spinner #22 works nicely. Float tubes will be needed.

BIG WOOD—Most all of the fishing is in the afternoon with some good hatches being found. The Red Quill (T. hecuba) is being found but it is still sparse. Never a heavy hatch, it appears in just enough quantity for the fish to begin looking for and keying on it, which can make for some very exciting fishing. Because of the size of the fly, some of the biggest fish of the season will and can be found with this hatch. A Mason Red Quill #10-12, a Mason Red Quill Cripple #10-12 as well as a Para Hares Ear #12 and Para Adams #12 will get the trout's attention. Beatis is abundant and a Para Blue Winged Olive #20-22 are taking quite a few fish. For subsurface fishing a Hares Ear #10-12 and a Prince Nymph #12 will also move fish.

BIG LOST—Once again, the Copper Basin area has been sparse and more inconsistent then I would like but the river below Mackay Dam has been excellent. Trico is still going on in the softer water sections and a Dave's Trico #18 and a Para Adams #18 will take some very nice fish. But the better fish, and there are some brutes, will be taken on Prince Nymphs #12, Copper Johns #12, Griddle Bugs #10 and Crane Fly Larva #10.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are very low. Fish tend to run small but the activity level is quite strong. I've often said that if you want to teach somebody to use a fly rod, this is the time of year and also the place to do so. Para Adams #14-16, Royal Wulff's #16 and a Prince Nymph #14-16 are all you'll need. Have fun. These waters can be lots of laughs.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Should be some holdover planted trout for Labor Day and can be taken easily using both bait and flies.




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