Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Fishing Report


By BILL MASON

Given the up-and-down conditions of our river systems, fishing has been very good if you know where to look. But more runoff in the next week or so will be our nemesis. Yet productive angling should continue in selected waters. Let’s see what this week has to offer:

SILVER CREEK—For this time of year, the creek has been awesome. It’s in the best shape I’ve seen it for some time. Hatches have been very strong and plenty of fish have been found feeding generously. Seen midday, Pale Morning Dun (E. dorthea infrequens) is getting rave reviews. It’s the best we’ve seen in years. Not only are the bugs plentiful but the larger size (they’ll mutate to a smaller size in a few weeks) is a delight to fish. PMD Parachutes #16 have been very effective. Beatis is also seen and a Little Olive Parachute #20-22 as well as a Beatis Trailing Shuck Emerger #20-22 will do the job. A very limited, scattering of big Green Drakes (D. grandis) have been seen in the upper end of the Conservancy. Never a big hatch, its size gets the attention of every fish, even when it is fished blind. Extended Body Para Green Drake #10 works fine. Ant, Beatle, Flashback Pheasant tail Nymphs #14-16 and little Wooly Buggers #12-14 should also be carried.

BIG WOOD RIVER—Fishing has been very good but limited. Water levels have been creeping upwards (1700 cfs) making it difficult to get around and wade. Best results have come using Green Drake Nymphs #10 and big Prince Nymphs #8-10, fished along the edges and pockets of the stream. Speaking of Green Drakes (D. doddsi), a few have been seen in the Bellevue area so I now would certainly be on the lookout for them. Unfortunately, with high water my greatest fears may come into play. As in past years, the hatch just might go through without the fish finding or feeding on this big beauty. Seen in the afternoon, keep your fingers crossed that conditions improve.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are fluctuating in volume and coloration. Neither is in prime condition for good fishing.

BIG LOST DRAINAGE—The upper river is still carrying a large amount of water (1097 cfs) for good fishing. As for the lower river, I’m a bit surprised the irrigators, as of yet, have not been calling for water. Flowing at 567 cfs, the Lower Lost is fishable but wading is marginal at best. If you are going, Prince Nymphs #8-10 and Copper Johns #10-12 always are effective. Be careful!

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER’S LAGOON (HAYSPUR)—All stocked on a weekly basis. All types of bait, lures and flies are effective.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—They have been slowly raising water levels (1970 cfs) and as the weather gets warmer, this will continue to happen through the next month. So, floating the river is now your only option with wading nearly impossible. I have no report on the Salmon Flys (normally closer to the end of June) but from this point forward, I would be on high alert status.




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