With flows out of Mackay Dam at just under 350 cfs, it is time to try the river where safe walk-in fishing is available. Flavs will emerge in the afternoon, and the peak of the trico hatch is not far away. That hatch will make for great action until mid day. Meanwhile terrestrial patterns will provide day time action, and action because of the evening caddis hatch will round out the trout fishing for the day.
With flow out of Mackay Dam below 500 cfs and dropping, safe and practical walk-in wade fishing is coming up soon. Flavs, golden stones, and terrestrials will be what to try first with tricos coming on later in the month.
With more that 500 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam best walk-in wade fishing is above Mackay Reservoir. Try from the Bartlett Point area into Copper Basin. Caddis, golden stone, and sally life cycle patterns should be best with flavs coming on as we get into August.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is about normal (650cfs) for time of year. But this flow is still high for good wading conditions.
With 1220 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam, we cannot recommend walk-in wading in the river below.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is just under 900 cfs making wading difficult and in some places dangerous.
With 1280 cfs coming out of Mackay Dam we cannot recommend wading the river below. When the river drops to wadeable levels, we’ll post it here.
Reports tell us that the river below Mackay Dam and around the campground is good fishing. Flows out of the dam have remained constant at just over 100 cfs. Small beadhead nymphs, such as prince’s, bead head or regular are working. So are midge patterns and golden stone nymph patterns. BWOs should become important any day now. Remember the winter season closes on March 31st.
With flow out of Mackay Dam at a bit over 100 cfs, and low snow pack in the Big Lost River Valley, the Big Lost River should be on your list of streams to try during the winter season. This season ends March 31st, so there is time to plan a trip when the days warm up. Folks going to the river around Mackay report that trout are taking golden stone nymph patterns, midge pupa and adult patterns. So consider patterns for these as well as small bead head nymphs. Few BWOs are showing, but as the days lengthen and warm their life cycle patterns will be more effective.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is around 85 cfs. Midge and BWO activity is providing action. Wading is easy with the low flows, so enjoy before winter sets in!