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Big Lost River

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Big Lost River (Page 13)

Big Lost River 4-24-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam is now a bit over 300 cfs with flow increasing to that level yesterday. That is about double what it was about  a week ago, so wading is tougher and fish still adjusting to the increase.  Best strategy is to wait for a visit late this week and hope another big increase does not happen between now and then.

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Big Lost River 4-14-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam has been steadily rising since April 11th. Now is up to 163 cfs.  This is not a change from 130 cfs for weeks to impact fishing very much.  Continue with the strategy we described in recent reports.  If and when flows are increased enough or at a rate that impacts fishing, we will post it here.

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Big Lost River 4-10-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam remains around 130 cfs. It has been near this figure for several weeks now. This should catch your eye because it indicates a stable fishery.  The Big Lost River below Mackay Dam now offers the most consistent fishing in this part of Idaho.  It will stay that way until flows are bumped up.  Midge and BWO life cycle patterns should be in your fly box when you visit here.  Small bead head nymphs and annelid patterns should be there too.  Afternoons will offer the best fishing.

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Big Lost River 3-24-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam has been almost constant at around 135 cfs so far, but with warming weather it could bump up soon. BWOs are on the increase to the point that fish seem to take them more than taking midges. Take your favorite BWO life cycle patterns (small bead head nymphs,too!) when you go and take the advise that as the weather warms, the flow out of Mackay Dam will increase.

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Big Lost River 3-13-12

Flow out of Mackay remains at 135 cfs. Good flow for wading & water is clear. Midges galore and BWOs coming on.  So bring life cycle patterns for these plus small bead head nymphs.

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Big Lost River 3-6-12

Flow out of Mackay Dam is 135 cfs. This means the river is at a good level for wading and snow depth is not enough to limit access. Clear waters prevail. Midge pupa patterns of choice remain the best way to find action, but BWOs are coming out in good numbers.  It’s time to have their life cycle patterns available.   Small bead head patterns drifted through transition waters will always produce.

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Big Lost River 2-13-12

Fishing below Mackay Dam and around Trouthaven campground has been good. With flows around 130 cfs out of the dam, wading is safe. On milder days trout are responding to midge hatches, but small beadhead nymph patterns seem to work any time.

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Big Lost River 11-26-201

It’s a cold time of year in Big Lost River country, so dress accordingly if you plan to fish there.  During cloudy days some good BWO emergences remain, other than that most top water fishing is for trout taking midges. Small  (#16-20) bead head nymphs of your choice also work.  With flows below Mackay Dam at 200 cfs, water is ideal for wading, but sure is cold.

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Big Lost River 10-25-2011

With flow out of Mackay Dam at just over 200 cfs, wading conditions are great and there is enough water to give fish good overhead cover. Days of good weather are limited, so get out and enjoy trout responding to the afternoon BWO activity.

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