Small Streams, August 24th, 2021

Two of the best small streams to try during this low water year are Big Elk and Palisades Creek. Big Elk features a PM western green drake emergence to compliment fish rising to terrestrial insect patterns that time of day. Spawning kokanee are now in the creek but do not impact cutthroat trout from feeding. You may encounter an IDF&G conservation officer asking to see your terminal gear because of illegal snagging activities ongoing for the kokanee. Input from numerous springs keep the creek at good water temps for trout activity. Palisades Creek, brushy in places, features trout rising to caddis, terrestrial insect and traditional attractor patterns. Subsurface input from Upper and Lower Palisades Lakes keeps water temps at levels good for trout activity. Both creeks are paralleled by well maintained trails.

Warm River below the spring is another good small stream choice this time of year. AM tricos, later in the day caddis life cycle and traditional attractor patterns bring fish to respond anywhere on the river below the spring. The best chance for solitude on the river can be found by walking down the railroad grade crossing from the Warm River Spring Road. Brook, brown and rainbow trout populate the river.