Big Lost River 6-12-10
With 1280 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam we cannot recommend wading the river below. When the river drops to wadeable levels, we’ll post it here.
With 1280 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam we cannot recommend wading the river below. When the river drops to wadeable levels, we’ll post it here.
Reports tell us that the river below Mackay Dam and around the campground is good fishing. Flows out of the dam have remained constant at just over 100 cfs. Small beadhead nymphs, such as prince’s, bead head or regular are working. So are midge patterns and golden stone nymph patterns. BWOs should become important any day now. Remember the winter season closes on March 31st.
With flow out of Mackay Dam at a bit over 100 cfs, and low snow pack in the Big Lost River Valley, the Big Lost River should be on your list of streams to try during the winter season. This season ends March 31st, so there is time to plan a trip when the days warm up. Folks going to the river around Mackay report that trout are taking golden stone nymph patterns, midge pupa and adult patterns. So consider patterns for these as well as small bead head nymphs. Few BWOs are showing, but as the days lengthen and warm their life cycle patterns will be more effective.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is around 85 cfs. Midge and BWO activity is providing action. Wading is easy with the low flows, so enjoy before winter sets in!
Below Mackay Dam fish are concentrated in holes. They feed big time on midges during the AM and during the PM on the BWO emergence. Wading is easy and anglers are few.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is now less than 100 cfs. This means fish will be concentrated in deepest holes. During PMs they will come out for BWOs or midges, but this low flow makes them quite wary.
With flow out of Mackay Dam at 150 cfs, the river below is in great wading shape. Midges and BWOS bring surface action, small bead head nymphs and soft hackled patterns bring action below.
With flows out of Mackay Dam just below 200 cfs and BWOs and midges active, this is one of the places to be fishing. Look for these good conditions to hold into November.
With flows out of Mackay Dam at a bit over 200 cfs, the river below is very wadable. Tricos are past their peak, but BWOs and midges make for great top water fishing. Small bead head nymphs always work. Choose your favorite. There is good public access just below the dam and at the campground downstream.
Trico action in the early AM and daytime BWO activity continues below Mackay Dam. Wading conditions are not bad either.