Although fishing opportunities continue to improve each day, higher than normal water conditions still limit the amount of water we can effectively work. Predictably, water levels continue to drop but at a snail's pace. Watching water levels recede is a bit like watching grass grow. As I've mentioned in past reports, we will be fighting tough wading and workable water for weeks to come.
SILVER CREEK—Fishing has improved with far more good fish found feeding on the surface than in past weeks. Hatches, although not overwhelming, have been strong enough for success but it is also the time of year where tiny flies are the order of the day. Trico is improving each day and should be in full swing this week. Dave's Trico Spinner #22 and a Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 work well for this morning hatch. Beatis is also present and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22, a Para PMD #22-24, and a Beatis Emerger #24 take fish through the day and into the evening. A few Pale Morning Duns and of course the Cream Caddis (Rhyacophila and Brachycentrus) are seen hovering over the water but because the Caddis never really hits the surface, it never has been as effective as it appears.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Clear and fishable but still limited. At best, 60% of the water is not truly workable because of the water volume. You can work selected pieces but wading throughout the water from one place to another is difficult and nearly impossible (am I letting my age show?). Because of heavy water through some of the classic, big fish runs, fishing them effectively is almost useless. A few Green Drakes have been seen but the general feeling is the hatch has either gone through or won't be much of a player this year. Regardless and if you are selective in your choice of water, there is some good activity. Forget having to match hatch conditions because any hatch itself will get lost with this much water. As a result, a host of standard patterns such as Para Adams #12-14, Stimulators #10-12, Tan Gulper Special #12-14 and Para Olive Hares Ear #12 will entice some fish to the surface. If you are so inclined and for the larger fish, a Prince Nymph #10-12 or a Green Drake Nymph #12 will bring some good success. Things will get better but it still is a wade-to-die situation so be careful.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Warm Springs is at a nice level to fish and although the fish are small, there has been a decent response to flies. Para Adams #14, Para Hares Ear #14 and B.H. Prince Nymph #12 have taken fish. Trail Creek is certainly clear enough to fish but it is still carrying more water than I would like to see. Next week should be prime.
BIG LOST—The latest report is the East Fork is still carrying a good deal of water. I have seen this before but it's unusual for this time of year. My guess is it may have dropped and become quite fishable. The same flies used on the Wood would be applicable, adding one size smaller to your arsenal, just in case. I guess you might find some fishable sections on the lower river but at 650 cfs, it's pretty damn tough to get around.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON—Always stocked with a good supply of fish and is a wonderful place to take younger, future fishermen.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Still running and holding at 1600 cfs. Fishing has been a bit spotty and a little slow. A few Pink Alberts and some small Yellow Stones were seen but very few rising fish were observed. Things will get better when the river drops.
SOUTH FORK OF THE SNAKE—This is the time of year that people begin seriously thinking about floating the river but at 22,500 cfs, I wouldn't even think about.
