Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Fishing Report


By BILL MASON

Each day, inch by inch, water levels are creeping downward. And fish productivity has improved greatly. But, as I warned in earlier reports, we still have a way to go until every piece of water can be worked effectively. Wading and maneuverability are key issues. Everybody thinks and knows the same things about where to fish. But finding enough water to work in various sections of the rivers presents additional issues. These conditions will certainly improve and it will be one hell of a fall to be casting a fly. For now, we have to be patient. Let's see what's going on:

SILVER CREEK—Fishing success has been steady and productive but the skill level needed isn't for the faint of heart. Precise casting, using small flies on light tippets, is the order of the day. Without help, many anglers stand around watching fish eat a lot. One of the main difficulties is that hatches haven't been up to par and a bit scattered, making reckless feeding by the trout, in short supply. Trico is present but what you are going to get really depends on where you are. It has not been a universal, blanket hatch situation. Summing up, Dave's Trico Spinner #22 or a Cut-Wing Trico Spinner #22 is needed for success. Beatis spinners are also present and Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 will do the job. Sparkle Duns #22-24 have also been universally fished under all conditions.

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BIG WOOD RIVER—As water levels slowly drop and more of the river opens up, fishing success improves on a weekly basis. Our biggest challenge remains simply getting around and wading coupled with the fact that our choice pieces of water are carrying too much flow. Nymphing is decent in the morning using Prince Nymphs #12, B.H. Prince #12 and Copper Johns #12. Although Beatis as well as Cream Duns (E. deceptivus) are seen in the afternoons, Para Adams #14-16 and a Para PMD #16 will take fish. Bear with it for the Wood will have its time.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are very fishable but carrying more water than usual, especially Trail Creek. Standard patterns are effective such as Para Adams #14-16, Para Hares Ear #14-16, Goddard and Hemingway Caddis #14 and a B.H. Hares Ear Nymph $12 on both waters.

BIG LOST—The upper river (E. Fork) has been very interesting this year. Normally, it should be in perfect condition but like all rivers, it's still carrying more water than usual making for tough wading and so-so fishing. Fish are being found but you do have to work at it using Para Adams and Stimulators. The Main Upper Lost is finding success but wading is even a bigger issue. You might find parts of the river below the reservoir fishable but it still is at levels that make it doable but marginal. Nymphing is best using big Prince Nymphs #8-10, Copper Johns #10-12 and San Juan Worms-weighted. It's also the time of year when skating a big Crane Fly imitation in flat water might bring some bruising strikes.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER'S LAGOON—Always stocked with fish for anglers of all ages.




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