Friday, June 20, 2014

FISHING REPORT


By BILL MASON

Fishing keeps marching along, at least what there is of it. Quite suddenly, runoff is almost complete and fishable waters have arrived, judging by rather dramatic and somewhat mysterious changes that have taken place. The cool weather has cleared up all of our streams. More puzzling is how fast we went from considerable reported runoff/water content remaining to nearly nothing (45% to 13%) in a matter of days. If this holds true, we should have high but very fishable water by the weekend.

SILVER CREEK—Other than the wind being an issue, things are pretty much the same on the Creek.  Weed growth has been slow and water levels are still low. Midges and a few PMDs are the principal hatch activity. Black Midge Pupa #18-20, Black/Gray Para Midge Adult #20-22 and Parachute PMD #16-18 (when seen on the water), will take fish. If the wind is blowing, a Blue Damsel #10=12 and a large Foam Beatle #14 can be effective. Hopefully the best is yet come but patience is needed. It’s always more fun to be casting a line then sitting on the couch, regardless of what you hook up.

BIG WOOD RIVER—Still a tough call.Clear enough to fish but at 629 cfs, still dangerous enough to wade. Because of the cold water temps, hatches will be minimal at best. Fishing along the bank in the slower eddys, pools and side channels should find some fish. Nymphs such as Golden Stones #8, Green Drake #10, Bead Head Hares Ear #10-12 and small Black/Olive Jigs #12 will probably be the most effective. You might even find a few fish coming to the surface using a Yellow Stimulator #10-12. Regardless, don’t try to be a hero in terms of wading. It can still knock you down and carry you away.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Warm Springs has been clear and fishable for about a week and remains so. Para Adams #12-14, Elk Hair Dun Caddis ##14, Stimi’s #14 and Prince Nymphs might find some good fish. Trail Creek is still carrying some volume and is slightly murky. Therefore, it is still a few days/week away from in prime shape for fishing.

BIG LOST RIVER DRAINAGE—No real report on the upper Copper Basin area. Runoff should be over and the East Fork, although high, should be fishable. Not much change in water levels in the Mackay area. With flows running at around 600 cfs, it too is tough wading and fishing weighted Prince Nymphs #8-10, Copper Johns #12 and Red San Juan Worms will find fish. But as I caution, be careful wading.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER’S LAGOON (HAYSPUR)—Always supplemented with fish and is still the best and safest place for kids. Various baits and flies will take fish.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Water flow is now at 600 cfs making for some tough wading in all but a few places. The reservoir is now nearly full, so this situation and even higher water levels will be the story for weeks to come. Fishing has been fairly good but tough to get around. Salmon Fly imitations in surface and nymph patterns are having the best results. Don’t forget Midge activity in the back eddys and side channels. The fish can work on them hard.

 

 




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