I can't believe July is gone and we're now into August. A few more weeks and summer will be over. I know we had a late start but where the heck has it gone? Anyway, there is a lot going on. Fishing is very productive about anywhere you choose to cast a fly. Big fish are a bit in short supply on some waters but there is plenty of activity to have some fun. Let's take a look at what you can find.
SILVER CREEK—Finally, the Creek has come into its own and has rounded into shape. Hatches are awesome. You need to be armed with a number of fly patterns to take advantage of what the fish are working on and when. All hatches are heavy in quantity. The first early hatch is Trico followed by little Beatis spinner. During the tail end of it all, you will find Pale Morning Dun spinners until about 12:30 p.m. All are important and you must be prepared for everything. Dave's Trico Spinner #22 and Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 work for the Black and Whites and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 works well nicely when the annoying little guys appear and start crawling all over you. For the inexperienced, they don't bite and the fish love them, as you should. Remember, the remnants of Beatis will last well into the morning and early afternoon. After the eggs are deposited beneath the water surface, the spinners will die and drift back to the surface and can constitute much of the feeding from then on out. Finally and at the tail end of Trico, Pale Morning spinners appear and a Gray/Yellow No Hackle #18, Para Cut-Wing PMD #16-18 and Rusty Spinner #18 are deadly. If these bigger boys are dropping, get right on it. In the afternoon, Blue Damsel Flys are seen and a good Blue Damsel #10 should do the trick, particularly in the floating section.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Things are pretty simple as far as fly selection and good success are concerned. There are no visible hatches. It now only depends on what you are willing to do to find the bigger trout that have been in short supply. Fished it hard last week and caught a boat load of fish each session ranging from dinks to fish up to 14". Put on a Para Adams #14 (easy to see) and never took it off (too lazy). I'd imagine that Tan Gulper Special #14-16 and Para Hares Ear #14-16 will work as well. Looking for better fish, I went underneath and there was a decided difference in size. Suddenly 16"-plus fish began showing up. Copper Johns #12 because of their weight worked well and a Bead Head or regular Prince Nymph should do the same. Pick your medicine. Unfortunately, you have to deal with the "Summer/Tubers/Dog Hatch" on the weekends and that can be problematic. This "hatch" and fishermen are a tough mix. Patience everyone for school is around the corner!
BIG LOST—Copper Basin and streams adjacent have been very good. Para Adams #12-14, Stimulators #14, Humpy's #14-16, Para Lt. Cahill (PMDs) #16 and Prince Nymph #14 are all taking fish. The lower Lost is still high but fishable in some places. It's still tough to get around. Copper Johns #12, San Juan Worms #10 and Prince Nymphs #10 are your best bets. Craneflys are out and a good Skater or Mackay Special #8-10 will create vicious strikes. Make sure your feet are anchored and your heels dug in for the take can tear the rod out of your hands. Probably too high for Trico but if water levels drop....
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are in perfect shape and can be a wonderful way to spent a few hours in the morning or afternoon. Basic fly patterns will all work in sizes #14-16. A Bead Head Prince #14 and a Bead Head Pheasant Tail #14-16 will find some better size.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON (Fish Hatchery)—All are stuffed with fish thanks to Dredgey and the boys at Haysper Hatchery. Bait and flies are effective and a great place for kids.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE RIVER—Still high and floating the most effective approach. Wading is marginal in selected places only. Pink Alberts (E. albertea) are out and Para Hares Ear #14-16 and Slate/Gray Ho Hackle #16 are very effective. Time to look for some great Hopper fishing.
PLEASE NOTE—I heard through various Property Management groups, that their maids are finding dead, leftover fish in the refrigerator and freezers from short-term renters. Simple solution: IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO EAT THEM, DON'T KILL THEM.
