Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Fishing Report


I'm back from a fishing trip early last week. And I'm happy to report that our current angling conditions, opportunities and successes are nothing short of terrific. Hatches have been strong and the fish are measurably better than we've seen in the past. This should continue for some time. But it's also important to note that we're now entering into a transitional time when hatches will be changing on most of our river systems. Our fishing will begin shifting away from the mornings and into the afternoons. It could be one hell of a fall. So let's take a look at what you might find, at least for this upcoming week.

SILVER CREEK—A lot of smiles on people's faces but things are a'changin'. Trico has been our mainstay. Dave's Trico Spinner#22, Cut-Wing Trico #22 and a Para Trico Dun #20-22 are doing the job. Unfortunately Trico is slipping away for the year in not only quantity but duration. Beatis spinners (Diphetor hageni) are also present and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is deadly, if the fish get on them (watch closely). Hopper fishing has been deadly in the afternoon (after lunch) and any foam body, rubber-leg imitation #8-12 works well. Although it's still a bit early, begin looking for the emergence of Callibeatris duns in the afternoon on both the pond sections of the stream. Predominately a September hatch, a Para Speckled Dun #18, Slate Gray Ho Hackle#18 and a Crippled Callibeatis #18 will work well, if the bugs are seen.

BIG WOOD RIVER—Fishing has been great because the water levels are low and average fish size has measurably increased over the past month or so. Hatches are strong and for once, the fish can find them and work to the emergence. Trico is seen in the morning but can be a bit inconsistent depending upon wind condition. They can disappear as fast as they appear. If things are right, Para Adams #18-20 (you can see it) and Poly Wing Spinner #18-20 will take fish in the flats. Beatis (B. propinquus) is seen in the afternoon and a Para Adams #16-20, BWO Parachutes #16-20 do the job but here I offer a word of caution. Fly size is getting very important. You can try and cheat using #16 (maybe I'm getting lazier and blinder in my old age) but you will also get more than your share of refusals. As a result, #18-20 is probably better suited. The Hopper population has increased but it hasn't translated well to the fish. I caught a few nice fish using a Henry's Fork Rubber Leg Hopper #8-10 but for the most part, the fish are still indifferent to them. It's not a "fish-a-minute" type situation, hopefully this will improve in the next few weeks.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both low in water flows. Although the fish tend to run smaller in size, they are no less very fun to catch. Nothing complicated here. Royal Wulff #16, Humpy #16, Troth Elk Hare Caddis #14 and a Bead Head Price Nymph #14 are about all you need for success.

BIG LOST—All things are "go" on all sections of the Lost. People have been pleasantly surprised at the size of cutthroat in the Basin. And the Main Lost itself has been producing quite nicely. No hatch to speak of, standard patterns of Para Adams #14-16, Tan Gulper Special #14-16 Para Hares Ear #16, Pink Albert's and even Hopper patterns are finding nice fish in the upper reaches of the stream. On the lower Lost, we're finally able to fish all parts of the stream in a comfortable manner (319 cfs). Trico is seen mid-morning and is quite productive in the quieter sections and calm flats of the river. Para Adams #18-20 and a Dave's Trico Spinner #18-20 work nicely but 6x tippet points may be needed if fly refusals happen. Finally, if you are looking for the really big fish, a Prince Nymph #10-12 and a Copper John #12 are still great standbys and your best bet. Even a Stripped Black Griddle Bug #8 (a coach Bobby Knight favorite there) could produce some jarring strikes.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Both will be heavily planted in the next few weeks. They will be productive using flies and various types of bait. Even a small Mepp's #0 or Panther Martin Spinner could be quite effective.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—I'm a little surprised we're still at mid-summer flow levels. Normally, the cutback and water storage for next year has begun but not so far this year. As a result, the river is still at floating levels making wading a tough go. Pink Albert's (E. albertea) will be seen now and through mid-September. But for my money, I would be armed in both barrels with Hopper patterns #6-10. It might scare you what you might find.




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