Flow out of Mackay Dam is 214 cfs, and that is good news for walk-in wade fishing. Look for fish to stack up in slower water. By afternoon BWOs and caddisflies will make for action there. But small bead head nymphs and peacock woolly worms will work just about anytime.
Flow out of Mackay Dam was reduced to 270 cfs yesterday. That’s down to wading levels if one is careful. Wait a few days for fish to equilibrate with this flow, and some good fishing can result in the river below the dam. Because the Big Lost is the only really fishable river in the area right now, we will keep on top of its flows to give moving water enthusiasts somewhere to try with good conditions.
No big changes since last report–flow below Mackay Dam is at 450 cfs.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is a bit above 400 cfs making for tough wading. Best fishing is from Dam to just below Mackay. Look for calmer side channels here where fish will bunch up during high flows and take BWOs during PM hours.
Big change here from last report. River flow below Mackay Dam was increased to 500 cfs earlier today. This is too much for safe wading.
Flow out of Mackay Dam has been steady at 280 cfs for at least ten days. That means a stable river. Wading is a bit tough in places, but the midge and afternoon BWO activity is worth trying.
With flows out of Mackay Dam increased a while back to just under 300 cfs, wading is a bit tougher. We still get reports of good results with midge life cycle patterns. During afternoons BWOs are emerging. Small beadhead nymphs of your choice and small leech patterns will work any time. Water is quite cold and weather the same, so dress accordingly.
Flows on the Big Lost have been bumped up to 214 cfs. Fishing has been good, but the bumped flows will cause the fish to move around a little. However good Blue Wing Olives and Midges have been producing fish on the surface and fishing has been good. Nymphing has been good while waiting for the dry flies action to happen. This river will stay open after the 31st of March this year, I would check flows before driving out to the big lost once flows reach 300 cfs wading will become difficult.
There is great BWO and midge activity in the river below Mackay Dam. Flows are low making wading easy,and fish are active. So get out and enjoy this great little river before winter sets in for sure.
Because of overhead cover from cottonwoods, BWO emergences go on even on sunny days. Midges emerge all day here. With flows out of Mackay Dam around 100 cfs, walk-in wade fishing is great. So get out and enjoy this great little river before winter sets in.