(Editor's note/correction: A 4th of July gremlin crawled into our system last week and somehow inserted one of Bill's columns from a previous summer season into the Idaho Mountain Express July 1 newspaper. Imagine how confusing that must have been to fishermen who are still a little confused about our 2011 weather and its repercussions on our fishing! Bill's column was published correctly in our online edition. Understandably annoyed when he first noticed the discrepancy because he didn't want to misinform fishermen, Bill took it all with good humor. We apologized to him and to you, the reader, for the error. Here is his column for July 6....2011, that is):
How'd you like last week's report?? No, I haven't as of yet lost my mind (some of my buddies would beg to differ) but unfortunately, a wrong button was pushed and a previous report popped up that resembled a April Fool's joke presented on the 1st of July. I have tracked the info to a late August report but the year is still in question. A little humor is good once in awhile and I can't help but chuckle when visualizing a few fishermen scratching their heads wondering if they were looking at the same river being reported. That said other than "sorry", it's time to move on. Water conditions have not changed from the past weeks but a few questions have been answered concerning the direction we are heading. With the warm weather, river levels stayed pretty much the same, telling me that flooding issues have probably passed. Regardless, water content in the mountains is still high, leaving open the question of when our waters will actually be workable and fishable. I'm not terribly optimistic in this department. Currently, fishing is limited and very spotty, mainly because of hatch inconsistency. Once again, it depends on where you are and when. As we move through July, this should begin to change but for now, a little creativity and patience is needed for success.
SILVER CREEK—Except for some ponds and impoundments, the "Creek" is our only player in the game. The Brown Drake came in with a rush but is now gone, leaving us with hatches that at best, have been sparse and inconsistent. Beatis is seen in the morning and a Para Beatis #20-24, Beatis Sparkle Dun #22-24 and Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 will take what fish are seen working. Afternoons are seeing a few Callibeatis and a Partridge Spinners #16 will help keep things active. Pale Morning Duns have been weak with their best appearance coming in the evening hours. A PMD
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Parachute#16-18, PMD Cripple #16 and a Cut-Wing PMD #16-18 will take fish. In addition, Nymph fishing with Pheasant Tails#14-16 and Flashback Pheasant Tails #16-18 will always find a few fish and don't rule out Ant, Beatle, Midge and Midge Pupa patterns in looking for solutions. I know it's frustrating but things will get better. Trust me, for having been in the business, I can sympathize.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Conditions speak for themselves. Although the river has stayed at roughly the same level despite the warm temperatures, how long it stays unfishable and workable is now just a guess. Because we are now into a rather historically gray area, no predictions seem applicable. From this point forward, it is what it is.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are high, off-color and moving with gusto.
BIG LOST—Nothing spectacular to report here as well. Both the upper (Copper Basin) and lower river below the reservoir are still carrying too much water to fish and wade effectively. Of all our fishing waters, the upper river should be the first clear up but when is the question.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON—All have been heavily planted with fish and could be a great alterative, especially for kids. Flies and various baits should do the job.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Still high and difficult to wade, it is flowing at reasonable rate (2000 cfs) for this time of year, allowing for some side channels and bank eddies to be fished effectively. More success can be had with floating. No word on the Salmon Flys but the timing should be spot-on. Caddis is seen in the late afternoon/early evening but if the big bug is out, why worry about it?
