Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Fishing Report


By BILL MASON

Sorry I missed you last week but the dog ate my computer. Over the last couple of weeks, fishing has been interesting to say the least. Some waters have been fantastic while on others, the fire damage over the last few years is taking its toll on water conditions. The monsoonal weather, thunderstorms and tributary runoff have had an impact. Future impact remains to be seen.

SILVER CREEK—Water temperatures are a bit high, but flows are now slightly above normal. Fishing has been good but very spotty. That’s because the Trico spinner fall and its locations are certainly not universal. In addition, the great Pods of fish normally seen and found during the hatch are not near what the past produced. Regardless, Trico is still the main player, although it may start to decline from this point on. Dave’s CDC Trico Spinner #22 will get the job done. Beatis is always around and a Mason Quill Beatis Spinner, Sparkle Dun BWO and a Rusty Spinner #22 should always be carried.

BIG WOOD RIVER—Not much needs to be said. Thunderstorms and subsequent erosions and runoff out Warm Springs have made the Wood unfishable the last few weeks. I was hoping the upper river above Ketchum would respond favorably but reports haven’t been strong. Although the weather appears to be improving, it will take a while to determine how the conditions have impacted the majority of the stream. I’m optimistic. But my fingers are still crossed. “When” is now the biggest question.

BIG LOST RIVER DRAINAGE—Although Fish and Game did some planting in the upper reaches of the Lost, low water conditions have made the fishing pretty tough. It’s the lower river below the reservoir where the true magic exists. If you recall in earlier reports, I pointed out that because of unusual, very low water conditions, fishing the August Trico hatch might be as good as it gets. I’m happy to report that it has exceeded even those words or as a very close friend refers to it, as “silly fishing”. CDC Trico Spinner and Sparkle Dun BWO #18-20 do the job. You could fish nymphs but why bother? The hatch lasts through the month so take advantage of it.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK—Warm Springs is pretty much unfishable. Until it clears, we won’t know the extent of the erosion impact. Trail Creek is very low. A few fish are being caught but because of marginal water depths, they are very spooky. Para Adams #16 and little Prince Nymphs #14-16 will find fish.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK/GAVER’S LAGOON (HAYSPUR)—Both are heavily planted and fishing nicely using various baits and flies. Lake Creek is really too low to fish effectively.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE—Still flowing at 1700 cfs. There aren’t many “Happy Camper, South Fork Regulars” out there. Whether floating or wading, fishermen are concerned with the lack of fish being found and with the marginal insect activity. You add it up. There’s talk about flushing the river with high flows this fall but that remains to be seen. For right now, the Poet is not particularly happy.

  

 




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