I'd love to say fishing is on fire but to be honest, that word may be a tad inappropriate and would be stretching things. We are having decent success on most streams but it is still more of a struggle than I'd like to see for this time of year. Frustrating may be a better description. Try pointing your finger at the hatches, with their lack of consistency and overall quantity, coupled with higher than normal water levels. It makes it difficult at best trying to predict things on weekly basis. We know that lower water is inevitable but the insect world is another story. Let's take a look:
SILVER CREEK—Has been tough, causing many fishermen to scratch their heads. Trico is seen but not nearly in the quantity it normally displays. The spinners are always important and Dave's Trico Spinner #22 and Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 will take fish, if enough get on the water. Normal pod ding of fish has been minimal. Interestingly, the Duns seen pre-spinner fall, have been equally successful. Para Trico Dun #22 works well. Beatis is also very important and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 will always take fish. Also, a tiny PMD (I think a mutated E. inermis) is present and if you are so inclined, Para PMD #24 and a PMD Emerger #24 will take those sippers working the film. 7x tippet points are also in the discussion. Adding to the frustration and normally seen in the afternoon is the absence of Callibeatis spinners but it is still wise to carry a Partridge Spinner #16 just in case.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Water levels are creeping downwards but that situation still presents our biggest problem in achieving top success. To put things in perspective, at this time of year we should be around 250 cfs and not 469 cfs like the current situation. Until we get there, much of the river will be tough to fish. Fish success is adequate but most tend to be on the smaller side. Some hatches have been seen but their dependency is fleeting. As a result, I wouldn't worry too much about them. Stick with standard patterns to move fish. Para Adams #12-14, Simulators #12-14, Para Hares Ear #12-14, Prince Nymphs #12, B.H. Hares Ear Nymphs #12 and Copper John's #12-14 will find some fish. Most success will be in the slower and shallower sections.
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WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both very fishable. Success has been good using Para Adams #14-16, Gulper Special #14 and a B.H. Prince #14-16 to find some fish.
BIG LOST—The East Fork is very fishable but is still carrying above-average water. Regardless, fishing has been good using many of the same patterns you would use on the Wood. The lower river is still flowing at levels that make it difficult to fish and wade. Watching water flow fluctuate daily, that tells me the farmers are calling more of their water rights. Since they have a lot to spare, this could go on for some time.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON—Always stocked with fish and always a great place for our younger set.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Still running at 1600 cfs and as a result, conflicting reports are coming in on fishing success. Some have had a good time while others left disappointed. Caddis is strong and the Pink Albert's (E. albertae) will get stronger with each passing week, particularly in the fall.
