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Big Lost River

Jimmy's All Seasons Angler / Big Lost River

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Big Lost River, September 16th, 2023

Below Mackay Reservoir

Flow out of Mackay Dam is down to around 300 cfs. Wading carefully is possible, and look for flow to drop further as we head into fall. Cool mornings are the rule, but by mid-day warm air temps will bring on good BWO, caddis and midge activity. So life cycle patterns for these will be effective. Terrestrial insect activity will also begin by mid day and will continue to be so until a killing frost.

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Big Lost River, September 2nd, 2023

It’s still flowing too high for good wading conditions below the Dam ( currently about 550 cfs). When and if it drops to around 300 cfs, it will be worth a visit. It can be a beautiful place to fish during the fall season with great scenery, abundant BWOs, caddis and a good residual hopper and ant population. We will keep track of its flow situation and report when to consider a visit.

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Big Lost River, August 15th, 2023

Forget about easy wading and good fishing in the river below Mackay Dam until the fall season at the earliest. High flows will prevail until water level allows dam repairs to begin. The river above the reservoir offers good fishing especially below the North Fork confluence. Copper Basin streams are mostly at base level flows. Trico and other spinner falls provide early in the day action. Action slows during mid day, but well placed hopper. caddis life cycle, and traditional attractor patterns can bring responses from resident trout. Expect fly fishing company coming from the Sun Valley-Ketchum area.

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