From a fishing standpoint, the new cards have been dealt and our hand ain't looking too good right now. We do have options but taking care of the lawn, playing golf or at least watching it on television, might jump to the top of the list. It's not as though we didn't have warning signs. With that much snowpack remaining, it had to come down and with the iffy weather, the questions we now face are: How bad will it get? And how long will the runoff last? With rod in hand, let's take a look at what's available, limited as it might be.
SILVER CREEK—One of the only open tables at the casino. Hatch inconsistency in terms of timing and duration is typical of early- and mid-June. But overall, fishing has been very good. A handful of things can take place so you need to be prepared for a little bit of everything. The PMDs are all over the place as to where and when, but they're the best of our hatches. Para PMD #16, Cut-Wing PMD #16 and Crippled PMD #16 should all take fish. It's time for a hodgepodge of hatch activity with some Callibeatis and a Partridge Spinners #16 should always be carried. Midge activity is also a strong likelihood and a Black or Olive Midge Pupa #20 can be deadly in the afternoon. PMD Nymphs #14-16 (you can get away with one size larger in nymphs), Flashback and Regular Pheasant Tails Nymphs #14-16 are always a solid standby when things get slow. This is also the beginning of Brown Drake Week but now it all depends on the evening weather. The emergence will be fine but the Spinners (stage) don't like rain. So, if it rains the night before, a peek at Point of Rocks around 10 a.m. might offer up an unusual but pleasant surprise. Brown Drake Para Drakes #10-12, Cut-Wing B.D.s #10-12, Brown Drake Spinners #12 and Brown Drake Nymphs #10 will all work depending on what is found. Have fun.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Forget it unless you want to be found somewhere around Stanton Crossing.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Ditto from above.
BIG LOST—The upper, main Lost is running at 1000 cfs making the East Fork way out of shape. The irrigators opened the gates last week and at 1000 cfs, the lower Lost is unwadeable.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—If you are looking for a place to have something "tuuuggin" (description from an old Mississippi client) on the end of your line, the ponds could be a good bet. With holdover planters available, both flys and bait should be successful.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Running and holding at 1600 cfs which means floating only (unless you want to get wet wading). Hatches have been thin but Caddis patterns #12-14, Stimulators #10-12 and big Rubber Leg Stonefly Nymphs #8-10, both Black and Golden, will catch fish. Some Beatis is found in backwaters and a few side channels with Para Adams #16 catching a few fish.
