After my last report, I thought fall had arrived. I didn't realize we were starting summer all over again. What warm weather! I even got some vine-ripened tomatoes. That's unheard of this time of year. Although more fall-like conditions are predicted this week, fishing has been over the top and should continue that way. Since this is my last column for the year, the following should get you through the rest of the season.
SILVER CREEK—Fishing has been terrific. With the continuance of our great fall hatches of Blue Winged Olives (B. tricadatus) and Slate Mahogany's (Paraleptophlebia), I see no change until the snow flies. For the BWO, a Lt. Olive Parachute #20 or a Gray/Olive No Hackle #20 works well if the fish are working on the duns. But remember, the nymphs are a very important and often preferred stage and a Mason Beatis Nymph #18 is very deadly. Also seen in the afternoon is the Slate Mahogany Dun and the fish will move to them, if they are on the water. A Parachute or a Thorax Mahogany Dun #16 will do the job. Hoppers have also been strong and should continue at least until the first freeze. Finally, October means love is in the air for the Brown trout. You will find them congregating in both the Creek and Lower Big Wood for their fall spawning ritual. Egg patterns, Wooly Buggers and Jigs can work with good success.
BIG WOOD RIVER—With the unusually warm weather, hatches have been very strong and the fishing has been exceptional. Beatis has been great in the afternoon. A Para Adams #18 or an Olive Parachute will take fish. Although it came late and is still being seen, the Red Quill (T. Hecuba) finally made an appearance. If we're lucky, we might get at least another week out of it, regardless if it's seen on the water. A Mason Red Quill #10-12, Red Quill Cripple #10-12 and Para Hares Ear #10-12 work well and can be used long after the hatch is gone. Typically, hatches become weak on the Wood in October but general patterns such as Para Adams will always find some fish. As a result, Prince Nymphs #12, Copper Johns #12, Hares Ear Nymphs #12-14 and Green Drake Nymphs #12 are always a good bet, especially for the bigger boys. Midge activity can be strong and a Zebra Midge Pupa can be deadly as well. Like Silver Creek, Hoppers will also work until it freezes.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Water levels on both will be low, fish will be plentiful but small and the fishing can be fun but so many other places in prime shape, neither of them would be my first choice this time of year.
BIG LOST—Water levels on the upper river will be very low at this time of year but it is the lower river below the reservoir that should get most of your October attention. I'm a little surprised it's still flowing at 300 cfs, but that shouldn't deter fishing one of the Lost River's best hatches of the year—the fall Blue Winged Olives. They last clear into November. A Para Tan Gulper Special #18, Para BWO #18 and Para Adams #18 can all be effective to relatively un-selective fish. Finally, if you are looking for the real big fish, a Prince Nymph #8-12, Copper Johns #12, San Juan Worms #10 and an Egg Fly Patterns can do the most damage.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—At 300 cfs, water levels are perfect. Hoppers will be strong for awhile and you can always bet on some Caddis in the afternoon. See you all next year.
