Friday, August 1, 2014

FISHING REPORT


By BILL MASON

Now that we’ve reached Aug. 1, all the fishing irregularities that come with this time of year are upon us. And this year, with low water conditions and high air temperatures, the fishing is a bit tougher than normal. I can’t say the fishing is bad but you have to work at it to make things happen.


SILVER CREEK—Water levels have improved a bit. Water temperatures at 64 degrees may be optimal for fish metabolism, yet they are higher than the normal 53-55 degrees. Hatches are strong but inconsistent. Beatis and Trico spinners are the main players but many feel that Trico, which started earlier than normal, may be on its slide. As a general rule, fly size is (#22) is vastly important. If you are off one size, you are going to end up only watching fish eat a lot. Dave’s CDC Trico Spinner #22, Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22, Rusty Spinner #22 and Beatis Sparkle Dun #22 will do the job. Hopper fishing in the afternoon can be productive but a little wind would be more then helpful.


BIG WOOD RIVER—I’m certainly finding fish but things aren’t easy, especially if you’re looking for fish of size. Take a deep breath because this scenario may be with us a while. The river is flowing at a low but reasonable rate (170 cfs) and the best opportunities are morning and evening. Surface activity can be had using Para Adams #16-18, Dun Gulper Specials #16-18 and Rusty CDC Spinners #18. Nymphing with Pheasant Tail and Flashback Pheasant Tails #14-16, Prince Nymphs #14 and Copper John’s #16 are finding the better fish but the big boys and girls are still tough to find. I’m also not as yet doing back-flips over the Hopper fishing. My fingers are crossed.


BIG LOST RIVER DRAINAGE—The upper river (East Fork) has been very inconsistent. A few fishermen are finding some success. Most are finding either an empty nest or fish far in between. I’ll leave it up to you to make the call. The lower river below the reservoir is exceptional. The flows have come up a bit (200 cfs) but nothing to disrupt the fishing. Trico has started and the fishing is sensational in the morning using Dave’s Trico #18-20 and Para Adams #20. Prince Nymphs #10-12, San Juan Worms #12 and Copper John’s #12-14 are always deadly throughout the day.


WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Both are very low and the fish have become skittish. They are somewhat concentrated in deeper water runs that do exist. Para Adams #16 and Bead Head Prince #16 work nicely. You need to be extra careful on your approach and presentation. They can see and hear you coming.


PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER’S LAGOON (HAYSPUR)—All are heavily fortified with fish and since they have nowhere to go, all are susceptible to hook and line. Various baits and flies will do the job.


SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Not much change here. Flows remain the same and it depends on where you cast a line as to what success you will have. Pink Alberts, some Cicadas (waning) and Hoppers are your “go-to” flies. Wooly Buggers are finding some large fish, too.




About Comments

Comments with content that seeks to incite or inflame may be removed.

Comments that are in ALL CAPS may be removed.

Comments that are off-topic or that include profanity or personal attacks, libelous or other inappropriate material may be removed from the site. Entries that are unsigned or contain signatures by someone other than the actual author may be removed. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or any other policies governing this site. Use of this system denotes full acceptance of these conditions. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.

The comments below are from the readers of mtexpress.com and in no way represent the views of Express Publishing, Inc.

You may flag individual comments. You may also report an inappropriate or offensive comment by clicking here.

Flagging Comments: Flagging a comment tells a site administrator that a comment is inappropriate. You can find the flag option by pointing the mouse over the comment and clicking the 'Flag' link.

Flagging a comment is only counted once per person, and you won't need to do it multiple times.

Proper Flagging Guidelines: Every site has a different commenting policy - be sure to review the policy for this site before flagging comments. In general these types of comments should be flagged:

  • Spam
  • Ones violating this site's commenting policy
  • Clearly unrelated
  • Personal attacks on others
Comments should not be flagged for:
  • Disagreeing with the content
  • Being in a dispute with the commenter

Popular Comment Threads



 Local Weather 
Search archives:


Copyright © 2024 Express Publishing Inc.   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.