I may have missed by a few days the prime water condition I thought would occur. But the fishing has still been good. This week should prove to be a dandy. Everything should come into its own and provide all anglers nice opportunities for some great fishing success. Hatches will be strong and there certainly will be no excuses getting to all parts of the river. With the right armament, everybody should be a winner.
SILVER CREEK—Like I suspected, the Creek's annual mid-summer surge erupted. It was still a bit meager and short-lived late last week, but Trico certainly showed itself and will get heavier with each passing day. For the spinner fall itself, a Dave's Trico Spinner #22 and a Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 are all you'll need as long as you keep delivering the fly knowing full well that it's you fighting against the world of insects. Prior to the fall, you can use a Para Trico Dun #22 and a Trico Nymph #22 for those few fish feeding on the remnants of the earlier emergence. It's what falls in the middle of Trico that makes things real exciting. Because of the strong daily and evening hatches of the Pale Morning Duns, I knew the morning spinner fall could be great. This week, that proved to be the case. Lasting through the rest of the month, when PMD spinners appear and depending where you are fishing, you should switch over immediately to the larger fly. Because many of the naturals are in a seeable upright position, a Cut-Wing Para PMD #16-18 or a Gray/Yellow No Hackle #16-18 does the job. Also a major player towards the end of Trico is the Beatis spinner. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinners #22 is very effective. In the afternoon, the Blue Damsels have been very abundant. Because they've actually been on the water, fishing has been over the top. A good Blue Damsel imitation #8-10 will work.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Although water levels were not as perfect as predicted, things were vastly improved and the fishing was good but a little tougher then I thought it would be. This week should be ideal. I found a few Green Drakes north of town but for the most part, it's obvious it went through on us without creating much damage (too much high water). As a result, the old standbys of Para Adams #12-14, and Stimulators #12-14 worked as well as anything. Some nice fish were also taken on Prince Nymphs #12 and Copper Johns #12. Caddis is heavy and will continue in the late evenings through the end of July. Partridge Caddis, Henryville Caddis and Goddard Caddis, all #16-20 (yes 20's) and Tan Caddis Pupa and a Cripple Caddis Pupa (trailing shuck) #16-18 are also very effective if fish are rising but not taking dries.
BIG LOST—No official reports other than some planted fish up the North Fork. But water conditions should be prime. Para Adams #14, Para Hares Ear #14-16, Yellow Stimis #14-16, Para PMDs #16 and Gulper Specials #14 should get the attention of the fish. The Lower Lost is still too high to have much fun on.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are in lovely shape. Although the fish are running small (except the planters), there seems to be plenty of them if you get off the beaten path. Para Adams #14, Para Red Quills #14-16, Tan Gulper Special #16 and a Bead Head Prince Nymph #14 all move some fish. Even a trusty Royal Wulff #16 got some pops.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON (Fish Hatchery)—Took a peek at Penny Lake the other day and F&G has certainly outdone itself. It has plenty of fish and I suspect the others have equal amounts as well. Flies and bait are both good bets to catch them. Take a kid fishing.
