From: 06/28/2017
To: 06/28/2017
Type of Water: Freshwater
Species: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Brook trout, Cutthroat, Grayling , Whitefish, Fine Spotted Cutthroat
“Fishing consists of a series of misadventures interspersed by occasional moments of glory.”
– Howard Marshall
What constitutes a “moment of glory” while angling? If an angler pursues his or her quarry with the monomania of Ahab, then the moment of glory only comes occasionally, if at all. But if we focus on the misadventures and the lessons learned from each, the glory is not relegated to moments, but to the quest itself. This is the glory of the pursuit. As we head into summer, where will your angling misadventures take you?
SILVER CREEK
The warm and consistent weather has made for some decent hatch activity on the
Creek and this should continue on into this coming week. The key to success…stay
flexible. You might have to try different techniques depending on where View more...“Fishing consists of a series of misadventures interspersed by occasional moments of glory.”
– Howard Marshall
What constitutes a “moment of glory” while angling? If an angler pursues his or her quarry with the monomania of Ahab, then the moment of glory only comes occasionally, if at all. But if we focus on the misadventures and the lessons learned from each, the glory is not relegated to moments, but to the quest itself. This is the glory of the pursuit. As we head into summer, where will your angling misadventures take you?
SILVER CREEK
The warm and consistent weather has made for some decent hatch activity on the
Creek and this should continue on into this coming week. The key to success…stay
flexible. You might have to try different techniques depending on where you are and
the time of day. You can search for sippers with small size 18 or 20 Baetis, swing
streamers in front of monster browns, float ants and beetles along the reeds and
banks, or drift a PMD, a Callibaetis spinner, or even a Green Drake cripple over likely trout lies. If you go, you will want to have a good selection of Harrop’s Baetis in size 18 and 20, PMDs in size 16, Callibaetis duns, spinners and cripples in size 14 and 16, and Green Drake duns and cripples in size 12. While we are still a week or two away from strong morning Tricos, it is worth stocking up on duns and spinners as there are already a few fluttering in the air. Also, have a good selection of ants and beetles from size 12 to 18 for when the wind puts a chop on the surface and the hatches disappear. If you stay late, have some tan and olive Caddis is size 16 and 18. You might try a damsel nymph if you fish Kilpatrick Pond. So get on down to the Creek before the crowds of July and August arrive and enjoy the variety of fishing opportunities. Don’t forget to take your bug spray; the mosquitoes are prolific.
STILLWATER OPTIONS
If you are looking for an alternative to Silver Creek, both Magic and the Little Wood reservoirs are both full to the brim with water and fishing quite well. You can fish from shore or a float tube with ease, just be aware of the high afternoon winds that can make boating unsafe. Another great Stillwater option is the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. If you have a day or two, this is definitely worth the trip.This fishery is managed by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes and has three different reservoirs to pick from: Mountain View, Lake Billy Shaw, and Sheep Creek. For a small fee, you can fish all three and camping facilities are available for an additional fee. As for techniques in all these reservoirs, try pulling a team of small leech patterns in black, brown or olive on an intermediate or type 3 or 5 sinking line. Often spring trout are feeding on Daphnia, aka freshwater plankton, and a leech is a welcome meal. Sheep Creek Specials always seem to work in Duck Valley. Also, suspending a series of nymphs or chironomids at the right depth can also be effective at both locations. Come on by the shop and we can set you up.
LOCAL PONDS
It is time to take the family to Lake Creek, Penny Lake, or Gaver’s Lagoon. All the ponds have been stocked and will receive regular stockings throughout the summer season. Whatever style of fishing you want to do, we are your headquarters. So drop on by before you take your family fishing and we will make sure you have the right gear to be successful.
THE UPPER LOST
Like the Big Wood, this area seems to have turned the corner and started to drop. It will still be a while before the upper portions of the Lost are fishable.
THE LOST BELOW MACKAY
The flows remain too high to fish. We will need to wait until the end of July or even mid-August before we see wadable flows again on this fishery.
THE BIG WOOD
The Wood has started to drop! While flows are currently still dangerously high, we should see the water clear and certain channels become fishable. Don’t be fooled, however, as the flows still need to drop significantly before this river is safe and wadable for a day’s outing.
SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE
This area remains closed to camping and fishing until the 30th of June due to extreme high water and flood damage but should open on the 1st of July. Please check with the Mountain Home Ranger District before going to be sure this closure has not been extended. The flows have come down to 3,000 CFS, which is still high, but floatable, for experienced oarsmen. Please remember to scout the river before you float as the high flows over the last few months may have added some obstacles in the river.
