Where did June go? Maybe I'm getting older but June seemed to completely disappear or be nonexistent and now the Fourth of July is here. Whew! Fishing has been very respectable but still quite limited. Sadly, because of higher-than-normal water levels, it probably will remain this way for a week or so, making the Fourth a tough go. The good news is that water content in our snowpack has dropped dramatically this past week. That takes major flooding out of the equation. But with snow still quite noticeable in the backcountry, from this point forward it's anybody's guess when everything becomes fishable. A few things have opened up, but not enough to get my engines cranking at full speed. Let's peek at what's available for the Fourth.
SILVER CREEK—Has provided some very nice, respectable fishing. Hatch variety is quite diverse, seeing a little bit of everything but with just enough quantity to get and keep the fish rising. Also to note, from this time forward, the best fishing shifts to mornings and evenings with the afternoons somewhat slow. Hatches seen and fished with good results are numerous but not overwhelming in terms of numbers. The larger PMD in spinner form (E. dorthea infrequens) is present and a Gray/ Yellow No Hackle #16 or a Rusty or Dirty Cream CDC Spinner #16 takes fish. Also, the smaller PMD's (E. excrucians inermis) is present and a PMD Parachute #18 or Cut-Wing PMD #18 worked well. Probably the best and most consistent of the lot is the little Beatis spinner (D. hageni). And a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is flat deadly. Last week, Green Drakes (D. grandis grandis) were surprisingly more abundant then normal. However, because they tend to be short-lived, they have probably passed on. Regardless, it might be wise to carry a Mason Green Drake #12, just for chuckles. If this weren't enough, I saw a few Gray Drakes (Siphlonurus) fly off the bank and land (no takers) in the floating section Sunday. Inconsistent as all hell, but if this continues and the fish get on them, it could be great sport. A Para Gray Drake #10-12 or a standard Adams #12, trimmed tight on bottom and between the wings, might work in a pinch. Also in your toolbox, you should have a Partridge Spinners #16 (Callibeatis), Flashback Pheasant Tails #14-16 and Black Midge Pupa #20-22. Finally, if you can't catch fish with something from above, you might think about spending time with your wife or significant other. Points do come in handy.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Sorry, but with the high and now off-color water (1,500 cfs), even side channels and pockets are marginal at best. Let's hope the Green Drakes (D. doddsi) and the Western Quill (E. longimanus) stay put for a week or two. I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Warm Springs is low and clear enough to fish. Para Adams #14, Yellow Stimulators #12-14, Humpy's #14 and a Prince Nymph #12 might do the trick. Trail Creek is still carrying a lot of water and is still a bit off color. That's typical, for it's always the last system to clear and always gives us the most trouble.
BIG LOST—Main Upper Lost still measuring a lot of water, making the East Fork still quite high. It might work in sections where river splits up (Pole Creek area) but I'm not sure I would make the effort without a solid report. The good news is, when it does drop, it will come down fast, seemingly overnight. The Lower Lost is too tough to wade but what else is new?
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Both will be heavily planted for the weekend and should provide some great fishing with bait and flies. Always the perfect and maybe only place for kids to catch a few fish and maybe catch the fishing bug. You adults, please give them some space. Also, don't be greedy. Take only what you can and will use.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Not my favorite level (1,900 cfs) but if you go, it is boat floating only. It's too big to wade effectively. Salmon Fly should be around the corner and I will keep you up to date.
