From: 02/05/2015
To: 02/05/2015
Type of Water: Freshwater
Species: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Whitefish
Silver Creek Outfitters Fly Fishing Forecast - February 4th-18th
"To go fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration from the decency of nature, charity toward tackle-makers, patience toward fish, a mockery of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of men - for all men are equal before fish."
~ Herbert Hoover
We are starting February with a wet weather pattern, adding to our precious snow pack after a relatively dry January. So if you decide to do some soul cleansing on the rivers around Sun Valley in the spirit of our 31st President, be prepared for snow or a View more...Silver Creek Outfitters Fly Fishing Forecast - February 4th-18th
"To go fishing is the chance to wash one's soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings meekness and inspiration from the decency of nature, charity toward tackle-makers, patience toward fish, a mockery of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of men - for all men are equal before fish."
~ Herbert Hoover
We are starting February with a wet weather pattern, adding to our precious snow pack after a relatively dry January. So if you decide to do some soul cleansing on the rivers around Sun Valley in the spirit of our 31st President, be prepared for snow or a snow/rain mix. Remember, winter midge love mild yet inclement weather. So grab your Gore-tex SIMMS Bulkley jacket and get to river. While all men are equal before fish, some are more prepared.
THE BIG WOOD
February is spectacular on the Wood as the Winter Midge activity continues to gain momentum. With the longer days and the milder day time temperatures, much of the Wood is ice free and fishable from Lake Creek north of Ketchum all the way down south to Hailey. To be prepared, have a good assortment of midge patterns spanning every stage of this prolific insects life: trailing shuck midge, Griffiths Gnats, and high vis parachute midge patterns in size 18- 24. If no surface activity can be found, be prepared to fish dry dropper or Euro style. For nymphs, try Rubber Leg Stones, King Prince Nymphs, Zebra Midge, Bishop's Dynamite, Egan's Frenchy, the Red Dart, or the Iron Lotus. This is also a good time to swing a brown Woolly Bugger to imitate the Big Wood Sculpin.
THE BIG LOST BELOW MACKAY RESERVOIR
The flows are up a smidgen to 90 CFS and the fishing is very good. These fish spawn earlier than the fish on the Wood and while we are not seeing any redds yet (and wont until March) these fish are feeding with abandon to gain the needed calories. The midge, along with a smattering of BWO, are thick during the afternoon. For flies, bring a good assortment of Zebra Midge, Brassies, and other attractor nymphs like Rainbow Warriors or Bishop's Dynamite in size 16 to 22.
THE SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE
The recent storms have mostly brought rain to the South Fork Canyon leaving the roads clear of ice, but muddy. Still, the snow line could drop with any passing storm so be ready with chains if you go. The river is holding steady at 302 CFS and will remain at this level until May or June. Remember, the South Fork closes the end of March for two months and February and March can be fantastic! Dries can be hit or miss but those willing to dead drift a nymph or swing a streamer will be rewarded. For dries, standard Baetis and adult midge patterns work well. For nymphs, try small Baetis nymph patterns (18-20), Zebra Midge (18-22), Caddis Larva (12-14), Stone Fly patterns (10-12), or San Juan Worms.
SILVER CREEK
This is a good time to head to the Creek. There is only a month left; the BLM stretch of the Creek remains open until the end of February for those who love the serenity only found on a spring creek in winter. Of course, the Nature Conservancy to HWY 21 is closed until the end of May. When fishing, the best approach is walk and search for a sipping trout. Approach with caution and fish with a long leader and light tippet from above. If you find no fish feeding try fishing deep and slow with buggers and nymphs around the obvious buckets.
