Fishing has been very good but not as good as it probably will be this coming week. With water levels dropping on a daily basis, by the middle of this week we should see most of our waters that have been somewhat inaccessible or tough to fish, finally open up. When this happens it's "Katie Bar the Door". Every fish in the river will be looking up. In that case they tend to feed and move to a fly with reckless abandon. It's kind of like "Those That Snooze, Lose," type of thing. With strong hatch activity, this week could be a dandy but could also lead to the next dilemma of which piece of water to attack first and/or what type of fishing suits your fancy. Let's get right to it.
SILVER CREEK—I can now say the Pale Morning Dun (E. inermis) seems back to perhaps its glory days of the 70s and 80s. It's a significant and historically notable hatch, and one that I had about given up on. But it made a nice comeback last year. Because one year doesn't necessarily solidify things, I simply held my breath, crossed my fingers and hoped. This year the hatch has put the explanation mark at the end of the sentence. Everybody loves a hero and the PMDs are our hero once again. Not only is it strong in the evening (typical of decades ago), it has been significant midday. This also means that I would seriously be on the lookout for the late morning spinner falls from this point forward, especially during Trico hatch that's about to begin. A Para PMD #18 or a Para Cut-Wing #18 or Gray/Yellow No Hackle #16-18 for the spinners, should cover your bases. Speaking of Trico, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see it this week or early next week. You have to be armed just in case and a Dave's Trico or a Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #20-22 will do the job. The little Beatis spinner (B. hageni) will also increase in intensity mid-morning. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is deadly. It was tied back in the mid-70s specifically for this hatch.
BIG WOOD RIVER—With water levels currently higher than average, fishing has been very good. But the biggest problem has been getting to and fishing good water effectively—good water that you know holds fish. With the water levels dropping daily, this could very well be the week that we see a significant upward change in activity and the fishing could be over the top. Hatches are numerous from Green Drakes (D. doddsi, particularly up north) but waning, Yellow Stoneflys, Caddis (should be very heavy and significant now in evenings) and the Western Quills (E. longimanus), will all be seen. A Parachute Adams #12-14, an Olive or Regular Para Hares Ear #12-14, Green Drakes #12, Yellow Stimulators #8-12 and a Partridge Caddis #16-20 (Troth Elk Hair too bushy for evening, sorry). Watch out for the Caddis pupa stage emerging. This time of year, I have also used some Rusty Spinners #16-18 with good success in the evenings. Finally and if you are so inclined, Prince Nymphs #10-12, Green Drake Nymphs #10-12, Flashback Hares Ear Nymphs #10-12 and Copper Johns #12 are also effective. Have at it!
BIG LOST—The East Fork (Copper Basin area) is now in prime shape. As it pertains to flies and hatches (often heavier then the Wood), do a ditto from the above Big Wood descriptions. Add the Cream Duns #16 (E. deceptiva). The only year-to-year question remaining is how many and what fish are there? The lower Lost is fishable but still high to be truly worked effectively. Big Prince Nymphs #8-12, Copper Johns #10-12 and Yellow Stimi's #12-14 (huge small Yellow Stonefly (Morman Girl) hatch right now) will work in very selected places. Remember; my target water level is anything below 400 cfs and at its current level of 650, we are not yet there and probably won't see it until early August when they begin cutting back on irrigation flows.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are in prime shape and should fish well with very manageable water to wade. With everything else going on, both would be good, but they are second choices. Para Adams #14-16, Troth Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Stimulators #12-14 and a Bead Head Prince Nymph #14-16 should produce some good results.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON (Fish Hatchery)—Because Dredgey and his boys plant them regularly, they will always have a good supply of fish. Great for kids.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—No official report but Salmon Flys should be stretched out throughout their length. Moves through quickly. Could be back to Caddis. Too early for Hoppers if they made it through the rainy June. Fungus develops and gets them underground. Remember, boating only for convenience and safety. Wading is tough.
