Although we had a slight glitch in our weather this past weekend, fishing has remained strong on all of our waters. With clear, warm weather returning, things should be dandy for any place you choose to cast a fly. Without further delay, let's check out what's happening and available.
SILVER CREEK—The spinner falls didn't take a liking to the brief spell of cool and wet weather that recently popped up. But with temperatures returning to normal, fishing should be great. Catching is always another story down there. Trico, the Beatis spinner and the Pale Morning Dun spinner, in that order, will be the hatches encountered. A Dave's CDC Trico #22, Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 plus a Gray/Yellow No Hackle #18 and CDC Rusty Spinner #18 are the flies of choice. As we move into mid-August, Beatis will begin to dominate, Trico will slow in terms of duration and the PMD spinners should begin to disappear altogether. Sorry but that's just the way things are. We are still about 10 days away from seeing Callibeatis duns in the floating sections but with a few Blue Damsel Flys still flitting around, a good Damsel Fly imitation should take a few good fish. You might consider tippeting down with the bigger fly. Have not heard much about Hoppers.
BIG WOOD RIVER—The weather had little effect on the Wood and the fishing remained strong. In terms of fish size, surface fishing has improved but the bigger fish are definitely being found underneath. I still haven't found my mid-August hatches of Cream Duns (Ep. deceptive), Pale Pink Duns (H. elegantula) and our August Beatis, all seen in the afternoon. But with the water levels getting lower, they could appear and be players anytime soon. Morning Trico has also not heard from as well. May be too much water this year. Never big hatches (except Beatis and Trico if there) they nevertheless get the trout's attention. Para Adams #14-16, Para PMD #14-16, Para Pink Alberts #16 and Trailing Shuck Beatis #16 are all taking fish. Also, as water levels drop, the smaller size fly may be needed and I certainly wouldn't rule out size #18 from this point forward. Let's hope this won't be the case. We are right on that edge. Nymphing is simple with Copper Johns #12, Bead Head Prince #14 and Bead Pheasant Tails #12-14 doing the job.
BIG LOST—The upper river is fishing nicely with a variety of fish and sizes available. Fly patterns remain fairly standard. Para Adams #12-16, Elk Hair Caddis #14, Red Quills #16 and Prince Nymphs #14 are all taking fish. The lower river is still a bit higher than I like but is now in much better shape to get around in. You now might even find some Trico in the backwaters, slower sections and edges of pools and runs. Greater success probably will come from Prince Nymphs #10, Copper johns #10-12 and Crane Fly Larva #8-10. Some slit-shot wouldn't hurt as well. Speaking of Crane Flys, they are out and in the lower water, it can be great fun using a Crane Fly #8 pattern or a Mackay Special.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are in wonderful shape and fishing very well albeit for smaller fish and planters. Action is constant and is just plain fun, especially for those learning to fish a dry fly. A Royal Wulff #16, a Wrights Royal #16 and a Para Adams #16 are about all you need for success.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON (Fish Hatchery)—All are packed with fish so have at 'em. Bait, flies and small spinners should all be effective for they are not the brightest of fish in the world. Have fun.
SOUTH FORK BOISE/SOUTH FORK SNAKE—Boise is still at summer levels and floating is necessary to fish most of the river. Some wading (very little) but you need to be careful. Pink Albert's #14-16 midday into the afternoon. Snake at great floating levels and it's got to be good.
