Now that Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, nothing much has changed regarding our water conditions. Sadly, we have only increased our water content level from 123% to a disturbing 179%. That's ominous for potential flooding. Unseasonably cool and rainy weather have been the culprits. Despite enjoying a beautiful weekend June 3-5, it looks like we'll return to stinky weather this week. The weather is maddening but thankfully we don't live in the Midwest or Southeast. All this plays havoc with insect hatches and if you add all this up and do the easy math as to what we face, things are a bit spooky. Where fishing does exist, things have been active despite inconsistent hatch activity. Said another way, it depends on where you are, at what time as to what you will see and get. There are some bright lights on the horizon so let take a look at what you can expect this week.
SILVER CREEK— The only "movie" in town presently showing. Hatches are all over the place in terms of timing, quantity and duration. As a result, one must be prepared for everything. Pale Morning Duns, although not heavy, are seen midday and a Parachute or Cut-Wing PMD #16-18 works nicely. PMD Emergers and Cripple PMD patterns have been very effective and should be used as well. Beatis is seen throughout the Creek (Point of Rocks to Preserve) and although small, it does produce some good working fish. A Para Beatis #20-24 (start as large as you can), does the job. Typical for now and the next few weeks, Midge activity is very strong. Black Para Midge #20-22 and Black Midge Pupa #20-22 should carried and used. Finally and iffy the last few years because of weather, it's now BROWN DRAKE time. Although I don't like what I see this week, Thursday and Friday could see an opening weather-wise. Timing should be right-on but weather can be a big factor. Insect emergence does not like the cold and "Spinner Falls" don't like barometric drops (rain). Various Brown Drakes Duns #10, Brown Drake Spinners #10, Brown Drake Emerger's and Nymphs #10-12 should be in your box for success. Have fun and keep your fingers crossed.
BIG WOOD RIVER—The river is actually clear enough to fish but at 1000 cfs, I would stay away. The worst is yet to come.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Warm Spring is high, off-color and not fishable. On the other hand, Trail Creek is clear and low enough to fish, probably with Prince Nymphs #12-14 and Copper Johns. The bad news is that this spells trouble for the long term conditions of the Wood for historically, Trail Creek is always the last to clear up and we haven't even started.
BIG LOST—With 500 cfs flowing into the reservoir, runoff has barely started and since they have kicked up water flows to slightly above 400 cfs on the lower river, fishing is marginal to fish and wade effectively. This too will only get worse.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S POND—Not sure the planting sequence from Hayspur Hatchery but there should be some holdover fish from Memorial Day weekend. Great for kids.
SOUTH FORK OF THE SNAKE—At 4000 cfs, I certainly wouldn't fish it and would certainly think twice about floating it.
SOUTH FORK OF THE SNAKE/HENRY'S FORK— S. F. Snake following at 23,000 cfs which is BIG TIME. Henry's is flowing over spillway which is very high levels. Salmonflys are in the Box but a boat is needed to effectively to fish its heavy waters.
LITTLE CAMAS RESERVOIR—Surprise!!! This could be a summertime sleeper. It's the first time in a long time I have seen the reservoir backed-up to Hwy. 20. Not sure what plans the Fish & Game has but it could have some great summertime fishing for boater's and float-tubers. Very fertile waters when it has water.
