The Big Lost is one of the streams that has a winter stream season so it is open beginning December 1st (yesterday) through the end of April 09′ The regulation is catch and release fishing for rainbows.
The Idaho Fish and Game regs list the streams open to winter fishing by region.
Midge life cycle patterns are best for finding action, but you better hurry. Season closes Sunday.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is only 60 cfs. This may be the winter month flow, and it concentrates fish in deeper holes. But just below the dam fish are responding well to dry midge and small soft hackle patterns. Use sizes 18-22 for both. Action slows on the river as one goes downstream.
Flow out of Mackay Dam is just below 50 cfs. This will concentrate fish in runs and pools and make for easy wading. Midge life cycle and small bead head patterns make for the best success.
If you don’t mind unsettled weather, the river below Mackay Dam is a place for some great action because of BWO and midge activity. Flows out of the dam are just above 50 cfs. Low flows like this concentrates fish in deeper runs & holes, so active fish are easy to find. But they are up for a tough go all winter, so treat ’em gently.
If you don’t mind unsettled weather, the river below Mackay Dam is a place for some great action because of BWO and midge activity.
No change here with respect to flows, best patterns, and tactics. Fishing may get a bit crowded below the dam as those seeking some of the best late season dry fly fishing come in from all points.
Snowstorms kept some folks away from this part of the country last week, but now roads are clear, and we have heard of good responses to BWOs and midges. With flows out of Mackay Dam around 150 cfs the river is in ideal condition for walk-in fishing.
Midge and BWO life cycle patterns are providing great action on the river below Mackay Dam. Wading gets you to nearly all of the river. Get out and enjoy this great little river before cold weather sets in.
Now is the time of season when this great little river really shines. Wading is easy. Midge and BWO life cycle patterns and small terrestrial patterns are the fare, and all one needs is a floating line