Wednesday, July 20, 2011

FISHING REPORT


By BILL MASON

Finally, a little light at the end of the tunnel! Although we're a long way from ideal conditions, at least we don't have a wall of off-color water coming toward us. Last week, I got the water clarity prediction correct but unfortunately I missed the optimistic water level issue. And that indicates to me we may be fighting high water throughout most of the summer. The only questions remaining deal with fly hatches and their viability, if they exist and their overall importance. Let's get to it.

SILVER CREEK—Still a little spotty but now that Trico is underway, consistency should increase dramatically. Dave's Trico Spinner #22, Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 and Para Trico Dun #22 for pre-spinner fall activity, should do the job. Beatis spinners (B. hageni) will be very strong as well. A Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 is deadly. The Pale Morning Duns (E. dorthea infrequens) has been disappointing but it is always wise to carry a few Gray/Yellow No Hackles #18 if the spinnerfall does appear in the middle of Trico. Fish will shift to it immediately and you should as well. This scenario will be with us for a while so you might as well get used to it.

BIG WOOD RIVER—Clear and fishable but wading ability is an entirely another issue. Because of high water volume that will with us for some time, hatches such as Green Drakes, small Yellow Stones and Golden Stones will probably be a non-issue. As a result, throwing big attractor patterns such as Yellow Stimulators #8-12, Para Olive Hares Ear #10-12 and Para Adams #10-12 might entice some fish to the surface. Also effective are weighted nymphs with additional weight added to get them down such as Prince Nymphs #8-12, B. H. Prince Nymphs #10, Green Drake Nymphs #10 and Golden Stonefly Nymphs #8. Back channels and side eddies would be my target areas with the main body of the river treacherous to wade. Things are not pretty out there but at least we can now fish the water. Be careful out there.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Warm Springs is clear and fishable. Para Adams #14, Para PMD #14 and B.H. Prince#12 are about all you'll need. Trail Creek is still running high and somewhat off-color. In a week or so, it could be fishable.

BIG LOST—Haven't gotten a solid report, but it would be my guess that the East Fork (Copper Basin) might be a touch high but clear to fish and much more manageable to wade. Hatches might play a larger role with Golden Stone (Acroneuria sp), small Yellow Stones (Isoperla sp.), Cream Duns (E. deceptivus) and maybe some Green Drakes (D. doddsi). Yellow Stimulators #8-12, Para Adams #12, Para Olive Hares Ear #12 and Prince Nymph #10-12 should do the job. The lower river is still much too high (900 cfs) to fish and wade effectively.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON—Stocked with fish on a regular basis. Fishing is always good.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Water levels have been reduced to 1600 cfs. Although it is still difficult to wade, it is a little more manageable. Look for Caddis and Pink Alberts in the afternoon and evening.




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