Small Streams 8-19-2011

This is the time of year when they are at their best.  Terrestrial patterns are likely the best choice on any of these.  Here is one that is a great choice if you want to minimize your traveling time and plan on easy access.  Beaver Creek above Spencer, Idaho is the place, and travel all the way is on Interstate-15.  A good access point is the Interstate-15 interchange a few miles north of Spencer.  From here one can walk upstream into the canyon (look out for an occasional freight train) to fish free-flowing water or beaver ponds or  walk downstream to fish the same.   From this Interstate-15 interchange one can also take the frontage road on the west side of the creek to access parts further downstream.  Brookies and rainbows are the residents and they are eager enough to take any terrestrial, caddisfly life cycle, or traditional attractor pattern you present.  Fish here range up to the mid-teens in inches with a very few of the bows getting larger, especially in the beaver ponds.  Afternoons offer the best fishing.

As some folks have noticed, the road accessing Big Elk Creek has been closed. The reason is road work to widen narrow stretches close to US Highway 26.  The road opened today but will be closed from time to time for finishing work.  The best way to learn of the closings schedule is to contact the Palisades District Ranger Station at 523-1412.