Big Lost River 8-07-10
With flow out of Mackay Dam below 500 cfs and dropping, safe and practical walk-in wade fishing is coming up soon. Flavs, golden stones, and terrestrials will be what to try first with tricos coming on later in the month.
August 2010
Henry’s Lake 8-07-10
Slow is the word! If you must try it, the mouths of Targhee and Duck Creeks provide best action. Get there EARLY to “stake your claim” as you will have company, sometimes as many boats as fish! Try mighty mouse, Henry’s Lake renegades, and small California leeches on intermediate lines. A few damselfly nymphs remain after what was a lackluster season for their activity. Cheer up, better days are ahead as we begin cooling off.
Henry’s Fork 8-07-10
Fishing on the lower river is slowing , as is usual this time of year. Bead head nymphs used early and hopper patterns used late are possibilities. Along the upper river evenings are best with caddis life cycle and rusty spinner patterns providing action. Terrestrial patterns will be your best bet for day times, but will also work evenings.
South Fork 8-7-10
With flow out of Palisades Dam just under 10000 cfs, lots of things are happening. First, much more of the river is safer for walk-in wading. There are numerous wading locations along the road above Heise to Black Canyon and the river road above Fall Creek. These are too numerous to discuss on a one-on-one basis here, so get in touch with us or come in to look at candidates that fit your schedule and preferences. Please remember whether you walk in or fish from a boat use caution and common sense. We lost one person on the river a week ago, and that is one too many. With respect to activity, riffle fishing is at its peak up and down the river. PMDs, caddis and sallys are all emerging making for day-long riffle fishing with their life cycle patterns. The other good news is that the hoppers are active along the river and growing in size. This means that successful tactics used for the recent big stonefly hatches will work again. If you are on the river late in the day or very early, be sure to have streamer patterns in that fly box. These times of day hold some of your best chances for meeting the biggest fish of the season through presenting streamers.
Still Waters 8-7-10
What Tom gave in the 8-2-10 still water report for Chesterfield applies to all our irrigation reservoirs with the possible exception of Paul Reservoir at the head of the Beaver Creek drainage. So if you seek good still waters, it is time to head to mountain lakes. Some of the nearest in eastern Idaho are Aldous (Centennial Range above Kilgore), Meadow (West of Gilmore Summit), and Mill (off Sawmill Creek), Iron Bog, Brockie and Fishpole ( off Antelope Creek near Moore, ID) lakes. On all these gulpers will be working by mid day, so such as a parachute adams suffice. Small leech patterns fished near drop-offs and around shoreline vegetation will also work. Copper Basin and the Lemhi river drainage feature several lakes. Come to the shop for more information on these.
South Fork 8-2-10
Sallies and PMDs on upper river riffles seems to be the best place for action. Stimulators are catching fish close to banks. Use same strategy with chernobyl types. some hoppers are appearing on the lower river, so some great fishing with large dries is not far away.
Please be careful when boating on the river. We lost a very experienced South Fork fly-fisher Saturday when a boat tipped at the Lorenzo Bridge. He was a fabulous fly tier, engaging personality, and a generous contributor to our fly fishing culture. He will be sorely missed.
Dave Raisch reports that he lost a Scott S-4, 486 rod with Lamson Velocity reel in the South Fork in the Irwin area. If you find these Dave can be reached at 208-406-4593.
Still Water 8-2-10
Fishing on Chesterfield yesterday definitely showed signs of change. The surface temp is pushing 74 degrees and the weed growth and algae bloom are well on their way to being a a late summer normal characteristic.
Right now is the slow time for all of the SE Idaho reservoirs. Water draw down for irrigation and high daily temps make conditions tough for fish and fisher folk also.
Damsels are still hatching , but have slowed appreciably.
Suggestions would include : Fishing deeper, cooler water with an intermediate or # 2 sinking line. Don’t forget about all of your favorite leech patterns along with scuds, midges and snails.
When you catch fish, please be sure they are revived and upright before you release them.
Don’t fret! Stay tuned, cause the fishing will definitely improve in early September, depending on weather and temperature conditions.
Best Fishes
Tom