Now that the fires and smoke have subsided, Labor Day Weekend has arrived and once again, I wonder where summer has gone. Despite everything, fishing has remained remarkably good. Water levels are still very low but the fish have been active on most of our water streams. Significant hatch changes are upon us as we enter the fall season. Let’s get right to it:
SILVER CREEK—The Creek has fished reasonably well and should get even better as we march into September and its cooler water temperatures. Trico is very, very sporadic and for the most part, should be finished for the year. Still, a Dave’s Trico CDC Spinner#22 should be carried but unfortunately, by the time you tie it on, the spinner fall might be over. Beatis spinners in the morning are still the driving force and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 or a Beatis Sparkle Dun #22 will do the job. Although it is a tad early (much stronger in September), I’d look for Callibeatis duns emerging in the afternoon in the floating, pond sections of the stream. Smaller in size than normally found, a Partridge Thorax Dun #18, Para Partridge Dun #18 and a Crippled Callibeatis #18 can take most fish. Beatis will linger for the next few weeks but it’s this latter hatch where my eyes will be focused.
BIG WOOD RIVER—Despite near-record low water level and water temperatures ranging from 58-68 degrees at Bellevue, fishing has been very good. Hatches of Pink Albert’s (Heptagenia) and a Pink Albert #16-18, Para Adams #16-18 and a Lt. Tan Gulper Special #16 will move fish. If you get refusals, fish the smaller size. Hopper patterns are also moving fish but from this point forward, I’d be on the lookout for the fall Red Quill (Timponoga hecuba) in the mid- to late- afternoons. It’s always a yearly crapshoot in terms of quantity and daily existence, but this could be a banner year for it and if it occurs, it’s nothing short of spectacular. The biggest fish in the river will be found working and looking for it. Mason Red Quill #12, Mason Red Quill Cripple #12 and a Para Hares Ear #12 should get their attention. A Hares Ear Nymph #10-12 and a Green Drake Nymph #10-12 are also effective.
WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are very low but a few fish can be found in small, selected portions of the streams. Not many found, a Para Adams #16-18 is all I needed to find a few fish.
BIG LOST RIVER DRAINAGE—Upper Lost is very low but I did hear of some occasional big fish (planters) being caught using Para Adams #14 and Hopper patterns. The lower river is about as ideal as you can get this time of year. At 280 cfs, you can get everywhere and the fishing is great. Trico is still strong in the morning but should be on its way out. Afternoon fishing with a Para Adams #14-16 and a Para Hares Ear #14 works nicely and a Prince Nymph and Copper Johns #12 are always effective, especially for the larger fish.
PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER’S LAGOON (HAYSPUR)—Not sure what plans Fish & Game has for this year, but these areas should be heavily planted for Labor Day and the fishing should be great. Various baits and flies should do the job. They are great places for kids.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—A tough call. Now flowing at 600 cfs and wade-able, no real reports have flowed in because of the fires and road closures. I’ve heard the north banks received some pretty heavy damage but it’s anybody’s guess how this will effect the fishing. I suspect Pink Alberts should be strong in the afternoon and Hopper fishing (if the fire didn’t get them) good throughout the day. Good luck.