Wednesday, July 7, 2004

Fishing Report

by Bill Mason

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The Fourth of July provided some very active fishing for those who participated. Although hatches were not quite as strong as in past weeks and some different techniques were required for success, the fish still wanted to readily take your fly. Water levels are dropping meaning that fishing should remain good but also, it will start to get a bit more difficult as well. Let’s take a look at what you can expect:

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SILVER CREEK—The Creek still hasn’t come into its own and won’t do so for about another 10 days but there is still some good surface activity. Perhaps most importantly, good populations of fish in the 12-15 inch category are being found. Hatches are still all over the place with a little of this and a little of that showing. A few PMD’s, Beatis, Callibeatis and Trico (very few) are seen and must be addressed when seen on the water. Therefore, Parachute PMDs #18, Thorax Speckled Duns and Spinners #16, Mason Quill Beatis Spinner #22 and a few Trico Spinners #22 should be carried and used, depending on what you find. In addition, some Blue Damselfly’s #8-10 and Ant patterns #16-18 are also very effective. Flashback Pheasant Tails and PMD Nymph’s #16-18 will take fish. Trico is still about 10 days to two weeks away in becoming an effective hatch.

BIG WOOD RIVER—The river has dropped slightly and hatches are getting a bit sparser but fishing has remained very good. The Western Quill, Stoneflies and Caddis are still being seen which probably accounts for the high success with dry fly fishing. Regardless, Para Adams #12-14, Yellow Para Adams #14-16, Stimulators #14 are taking fish. Large Tan Caddis #14 in the evening along with Brown Caddis Pupa #12 will entice fish. Each day, we are fishing more and more nymphs. They’ll be the story for the weeks to come. Presently, Bead Head Prince Nymphs and Hares Ear Nymphs #12-14 are moving fish.

BIG LOST—Water levels are also dropping making the river more manageable to fish. Still some Small Yellow Stones about, so fishing a Yellow Stimulator #12 can be successful. Look out for a few PMDs, for they trickle throughout the day. PMD Parachutes #18 do the job. The most success still comes from underneath using Prince Nymph #12, Copper John’s #14 (Reg, Wine and Zebra) and BIG Hares Ear Nymph #8. Carrying some Big Craneflys is also not a bad idea for it’s that time of year when they begin to appear.

WARM SPRINGS/TRAIL CREEK— Trail Creek has not been doing much but Warm Springs continues to kick out some good fish albeit small, but in good quantities. Standard patterns are the call. Regular and Parachute Adams # 14-16 and Prince Nymphs #12-14, will catch fish.

PENNY LAKE/LAKE CREEK—Still should have plenty of fish held over from the Fourth and should provide good fish for kids using bait, flies and spinners.

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