What a difference a week makes! Finally, the levels of our remaining river systems have stabilized. That has opened doors to all of our waters for effective fishing. Hatches have become more susceptible and important to feeding situation and of course, great surface activity for the angler. The time is now! So get off the couch and get with it. Let's get to the business at hand.
P.S. To one of my old guides Rich Spalding, "Get well soon!"
SILVER CREEK—Not much change here. The bulk of the best fishing is in the morning with Trico and little Beatis spinners your predominate players. Both need to be dealt with accordingly. Dave's Trico Spinner #22, Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 are the ammunition you need to carry. PMDs are still emerging in the evening with Parachute and Cut-Wing Parachutes #18 doing the job but I'm looking for this hatch to dwindle. A bit of a disappointment have been the PMD spinners in the morning but regardless, Upright Cut-Wings and Gray/Yellow No Hackles #16-18 should always be carried. We are in a lull in the afternoon but in the next couple of weeks, this will be changing.
BIG WOOD RIVER—The breakout we've been waiting for has finally arrived. Water levels have stabilized so that everything can be fished effectively, with great results. The main hatch activity is Beatis in the afternoon and the fish are on them. Fly size is now getting important and will require you to get smaller as the weeks drag on. Nothing special in fly patterns with a Para Adams #16-18 and a Para Purple Haze #16-18 doing the bulk of the damage. Fishing underneath with Flashback Pheasant Tails #12-14 and Copper Johns #14 are also effective. Tricos have also been seen on the lower Wood and should be become very important in the morning, with each passing day. Dave's Trico #20, Poly Wing Trico #18-20 and a Para Adams #20 should work well. Wherever the Hopper infestation is supposed to be, it has yet to show up on the Wood.
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WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are low and fishing well for smaller fish. Also, both are now being planted regularly which increases the novice successes. Royal Wulffs, Para Adams and a Bead Head Prince #14 in the clutch, will take fish.
BIG LOST—Waters on the upper Lost, including Basin are low and fishing nicely. Standard patterns such as Para Adams #14-16, Purple Haze #14 and small Yellow Stimulators #16 all seem to be moving fish. The lower Lost is getting very close to mid-August levels in terms wading effectively the entire river. This opens up the ability to fish Trico, and Trico should now be a major morning influence to the fishermen. Prince Nymphs #10-12 and Copper Johns #12 will always find the larger fish. Throw in a Griddle Bug #10 and you might be surprised.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Always planted and always great for kids. Bait and flies will take fish.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Still at floating levels (1600cfs) and very tough to wade. Pink Albert's and Grasshopper patterns #8-10 are the flies of choice.
