Flow out of Mackay Dam is now around 450 cfs. That’s still a bit high for the best wading conditions, so try above the reservoir for better wading conditions with flows around half of that. Good locations are plenty along the Trail Creek Road above Bartlett Point. With terrestrial insects coming on this scenic part of the river is a great choice to visit.
With terrestrial insects so important in trout diets this time of year, small streams offer great fishing choices, especially for anglers seeking some solitude or for those preferring to use lighter equipment. Because of our back to back great snowfall winters, most are in great shape. The pic below shows Warm River Spring, the source of much water in that river.
True, there is good fishing in the smaller reach above. But below the spring the river hosts a better insect base and has better water for hosting a bigger trout population. Fish here range up to the mid teens in inches of length, and because brookies, browns, ‘bows, and a rare cutt are present you never know for sure which has just hit your fly. Mainly a riffle and run stream for miles, this part of Warm River is delightful. Get in touch with us to learn how to approach it.
Flow out of Palisades Dam is down to 9200 cfs and therefore around 10200 cfs at Heise. Now that the lower river has kicked in with great fishing you have a wonderful choice of places to enjoy the South Fork whether you prefer to fish from a boat or walk-in and wade. Try riffles for fish feeding mid day or in the early PM on emerging PMDs, sallys, and caddisflies. Slam hopper, other terrestrial patterns, or chernobyl types against banks or around overhead cover. Do the same with slightly submerged super-x and super renegade patterns. Try evenings when fish respond to caddis swarms or are more likely to respond to streamers presented close to banks and through transitions. Somewhere along the river any of these techniques will work. Now is the time of year when the South Fork offers it all.
Lost about 11 this morning on the South Fork about four miles above Heise: An 11.5-foot Dave Scadden Pontoon boat, white with blue bunting and holding fishing contents. Could be anywhere downstream on the main river or side channels. If found please call 208-227-0107.
Even though the river is a bit higher than normal, fishing is really picking up here. Whether you walk in or wade, terrestrial insects are becoming more important each day in trout diets. Caddis, some PMDs and sallys are emerging. But if you want chance at the rlly big fish this river offers, go to streamer, wooly bugger on San Juan worm types. Have you heard of the new Idaho record rainbow ( 20 pounds and change) caught in the river below Tilden Bridge? It was probably an American Falls Reservoir fish escaping the reservoir doldrums for moving and therefore more comfortable water. True, it was caught on worms, but fly tying fly-fishers, being an innovative bunch, can surely come up with a worm cluster pattern. Who knows: one such fly presented properly could come up with another Snake River trout of such proportions!
Fishing is slowing down in these mid summer days. Terrestrial patterns are the best for fishing the lower river and pretty much the same for the upper river. A great way to encounter big fish on the lower river is to try streamer patterns around banks, islands, and transitions after sunset. This could be the same in Box Canyon and in the Coffee Pot area above Island Park Reservoir.
Fishing has slowed down a bit as is typical this time of year. Best locations are deeper water (watch for weeds), creek mouths ( best can get crowded), and spring holes (can be crowded).
Flow out of Mackay Dam is down to 500 cfs. That’s going in the right direction for good walk-in wade conditions.
For all streams be sure to have terrestrial patterns on hand. That’s the best way to find action on through this month. Soon it will be time to add spruce moth patterns to yor terrestrial array especially if you fish forested reaches. Guplers will be active on most still waters, but the best gulper fishing will be found on the smaller waters such as Grebe, Grizzly, Cascade, Wolf, Beula and Riddle lakes.
Just about all are fishing good now. These offer a great way to leave the crowd behind. Get in touch with us for particulars.
You might find some surface action early in the day from gulpers, but the summer slump is impacting the shallows almost everywhere. Here’s the good news: even with drawdown things look good for holding water to last through the fall months when fishing will pick up again. If you want to get out now, fish deep where cooler waters act as a refuge for fish. Thus full sink lines, small leech patterns or deeply presented midge pupa under an indicator will be the best ways for action.