From: 11/16/2015
To: 11/16/2015
Type of Water: Freshwater
Species: Rainbow trout, Brown trout, Whitefish
Fly Fishing Forecast October 11th - 25th
"When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels." ~ Unknown
You have a third choice...go fly fishing. After a mild fall, snow has blessed the valley and the mountains making the transition on our waters to a winter fishery rather abrupt. And looking at the extended forecast, there is more snow on the way. So, if you decide to spend a day fly fishing, be sure to pack a set of chains, a shovel, a blanket, some food and water, a thermos, a flask, as well as extra clothing. There will be time for shoveling and snow angels later; the Conservancy portion of the Creek is only open till the end of the month!
Silver Creek
Even with the cold winter like conditions, the Creek will still produced decent Baetis and Midge action; howe View more...Fly Fishing Forecast October 11th - 25th
"When it snows, you have two choices: shovel or make snow angels." ~ Unknown
You have a third choice...go fly fishing. After a mild fall, snow has blessed the valley and the mountains making the transition on our waters to a winter fishery rather abrupt. And looking at the extended forecast, there is more snow on the way. So, if you decide to spend a day fly fishing, be sure to pack a set of chains, a shovel, a blanket, some food and water, a thermos, a flask, as well as extra clothing. There will be time for shoveling and snow angels later; the Conservancy portion of the Creek is only open till the end of the month!
Silver Creek
Even with the cold winter like conditions, the Creek will still produced decent Baetis and Midge action; however, it is short, isolated, and late in the day. Of course, cloudy days are your best bet for fish on the surface. The rest of the time, your best action will come on nymphs and streamers. For nymphs, try a beaded or non-beaded pheasant tail, a Zebra Midge, or a WD40 in size 20 or 22. Find the right depth with your dropper and you will take plenty of trout. Many browns are on in the shallows and spawning. Please leave these fish alone and don't walk through the redds. There are plenty of other fish to pursue. Remember the Conservancy stretch and Purdy's down to highway 20 will close at the end of November. From the Highway 20 bridge down through the Willows and the Point of Rocks the fishing will remain open until the end of February.
The Big Wood
The cold weather in the valley has already concentrated the fish in the winter holding water and the hatches have been reduced to a few midge late in the day. Still the fish are hungry and if you find the right spot at the right time you will find fish. For flies, try a size 18 or 16 Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior or Bishop's Dynamite or a larger size 8-12 Rubber Leg Stone, San Juan Worm, or a Czech style nymph. Dangle these bugs off a high floating dry, an indicator, or fish them Euro Style. The key to success when the water gets cold is to find the right depth. Remember that when the water temps drop, the takes can be subtle, so strike detection becomes paramount. Also, the fish need to be hooked, landed, and released as quickly as possible. Take the time to learn how to properly use a Ketchum Release tool. It will save the fish from undue stress and keep your hands from getting wet.
The Big Lost Below Mackay
Trail Creek Pass in closed for the season, so anglers heading to the Lost will need to go around through Carey and over to Arco to get to Mackay. The Lost is low and the fish have been spooky. The flow is around 55 CFS and at this level the fish are concentrated in the deeper runs and in the riffles at the head of these runs. Be stealthy and you will find success. Expect to find some Baetis, but mostly midge hatching in the afternoons. For the risers, you will need long leaders down to 6 or 7X and small flies to match. Nymphing will produce the most consistent action. Try a small beaded midge or Baetis below a dry or small indicator.
South Fork of the Boise
It is that time of year when travel in to the South Fork's canyon requires a 4X4 with studded snow tires and chains. The road can be treacherous! The flows are holding steady at 300 CFS, which is ideal for walk and wade fishing. There has been a decent number of Baetis as well as Midge hatching in the late afternoon. Dry fly purists will find fish up in the slow, deep stretches selectively sipping up until the sun goes down. Nymphing remains productive with Red San Juan Worms, Rubber Leg Stones, Caddis Larva as well as small Zebra Midge and Baetis Nymphs. Focus your attention on the seams and slower riffles for both trout and white fish.
