Big Lost River

Big Lost River, September 28th, 2024

Below Mackay Dam

Flow out of Mackay Dam is slightly higher that normal (215 cfs vs 188 cfs) but wading conditions are good.. Late afternoon BWO activity and remaining bank side terrestrial insects are resulting in some good top water fishing in the river below Mackay Dam. Presenting traditional nymph patterns in small and medium sizes work earlier in the day. A few dry fly enthusiasts are venturing in from the Sun Valley area to find relief from crowded Silver Creek.

Big Lost River, August 17th, 2024

Big Lost River

The best of times to fish Big Lost River below Mackay Dam have begun and should last well into the fall season. Flow out of the dam is a bit above 300 cfs, so wading is not difficult and continues in a good amount on downstream to the Leslie township. Access is plentiful below the dam, around the campground, and the IDF&G access. Caddis, isoperla stonefly, and terrestrial insect activities bring fish up to make top water fishing very good. Further on downstream where the river flows through private land there is access at bridges and areas of state and BLM land. Here it is important while fishing to stay within the high water mark.

Big Lost River, May 11th, 2024

Flow out of Mackay Reservoir has been raised step wise to over 500 cfs,. This is being done to provide room in the reservoir to collect runoff and potentially for doing repairs on the dam. Wading the river below the dam is extremely dangerous and not productive for fishing for now.

Big Lost River, April 27th, 2024

Flow out of Mackay Dam is running just under 100 cfs making for easy wading. Good flow continues downstream to the town of Moore temporarily. BWO and midge activity is attracting resident trout, especially during good afternoon weather. Presenting small nymph and rubber leg patterns into heads of deeper runs throughout the day can be effective.

Big Lost River, December 2nd, 2023

With flow out of Mackay Dam is down to 67 cfs, fish are concentrated in deep water below where nymph fishing is productive. Tough access makes skis or snow shoes a must, and middle of the day is most suited for fishing.

Big Lost River, October 24th, 2023

With a bit more than 100 cfs in flow coming out of Mackay Dam, the river is in ideal wading conditions. These flow conditions extend downstream as far as the Leslie township. If you visit the waters in the Leslie area, respect private land, but you are legal when staying within the river high water marks. BWO and midge activity will make for top water fishing, so bring their life cycle patterns to enjoy actively feeding fish, mostly rainbows with a sprinkling of brookies. Traditional nymph, small rubber leg and streamer patterns will also be effective.

Big Lost River, October 10th, 2023

Big Lost River Near Leslie Area

Flow out of Mackay Dam is around 200 cfs just below which is just a bit above normal (about 180 cfs) for this time of the year and making for good wading conditions. With flow being good (about 160 cfs) downstream at least as far as the Leslie area, it is worth considering trying to access the river this far below the dam. This good flow so far below the dam has not happened for several years and opens up some very good waters least temporarily with winter and the water storage season coming on.

Big Lost River, October 7th, 2023

Flow has leveled out at a bit more than 200 cfs below the dam. This means good wading conditions, and good BWO and midge activity making their life cycle patterns effective. Streamers and woolly bugger types in moderate sizes swung through deeper water will bring results, especially early and later in the day and during upcoming unsettled weather. Repairs are ongoing to the dam above, and completion will begin water storage with more drops in flow below. The reservoir above is reduced mostly to a mud flat with a few fish in the pool just above the dam. So most attractive fishing is in the river above and below.

Big Lost River, September 23rd, 2023

Big Lost River Below Mackay Dam

With flow out of Mackay Dam just under 300 cfs more of the river downstream is worth fishing than usual for this time of the season. The river around the Houston Bridge area has some nice water, and flow in the Leslie area is about 190 cfs. Land in this area is a “checkerboard of private ( you are legal by staying within the high water mark) and public, so be careful about access. Afternoons are best for BWO, midge and remaining caddis activity. Frost has put a dent in terrestrial insect activity. but some remain and during nicer afternoons patterns for them will be effective for days to come.

Big Lost River, September 19th, 2023

As flow out of Mackay Dam drops the river below becomes more attractive for fall fishing. BWO and midges prevail to interest trout, up coming unsettled weather will slow terrestrial insect activity. Such will return after this weather spell passes. If are looking for brook trout for a late season fish fry, try upper Antelope Creek and any of its tributaries having beaver ponds.