Wednesday, July 28, 2004

Fishing Report

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by Bill Mason

Although the fishing has not been particularly easy, it has remained quite good, especially for quantities of fish. Obviously, the afternoon and evening rain showers have kept water in the streams and water temperatures down , making for active , receptive fish. Let’s look at our more important waters and see what’s going on.

Silver Creek No problems here. In fact it’s like days of old. Hatches are heavy, fish are abundant and have moved into the large pod-like feeding positions we had for many years when Trico arrives. In addition, good size fish are being hooked, indicating that the Creek is getting back to normal conditions. Hatches are simple. Trico is the main hatch with the Beatis spinner a very close second, which I might add, is something I haven’t seen in a few years (Beatis). In between it all, PMD spinners will fall making for an exciting morning of fishing. Flies are simple and you will need them all. Dave’s and Hi-Vis Trico Spinner #22, a Mason Quill Spinner #22 and a PMD Cutwing Dun #16-18 will all work depending on what the fish are working on at that moment. Although fishing is much slower in the afternoon, Damselflies and terrestrial patterns will move some fish.

Big Wood Fishing has gotten tough mainly because hatches and fly size has gotten small. Tiny Beatis is seen and a small regular and yellow Parachute Adams #18-20 are needed to take fish. Because some yellow Stonefly’s are still out, Yellow Stimulators #14-16 are taking fish and are easier to see. The better fish are generally taken underneath using Wine, Zebra and regular Copper John’s #14-16, Bead Head Prince #14-16 and Flashback Peasant Tails in the same size. Moving big fish in the deep pools to the surface is very difficult and as a result, you are going to have to get down and dirty on them for success. Dropping tippet size on the dry’s to 6x will also be a benefit.

Big Lost Water is clear despite the low reservoir and fishing well. Catching fish on the surface with small Yellow Stimi’s #16 and PMD’s #16-18 will work but is slowing somewhat. Fishing nymphs has improved using Prince Nymphs#12, Copper Johns #12-14 and most importantly, San Juan Worms #10-12.

Warm Springs/Trail Creek Both are producing well for smaller fish with Warm Spring getting the nod. Para Adams #14-16, Stimulators #16 and Para Caddis #14-16 are all being fished with success and a prince4 nymph #14 will take some of the better fish underneath.

Penny Lake/Lake Creek Still great if you are looking for a place to take kids and keep a few. Bait, spinners and flies will all work. Have a nice day out there.

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