Still Water

Still Waters 9-10-10

The cool weather we have recently is just what is needed to jump-start fishing in our irrigation reservoirs. The upper end of Daniels Reservoir seems to be improving for anglers presenting damselfly nymph patterns. The same goes for Springfield Reservoir where dry damsel patterns are also suggested.  Try dry damselfly patterns on Sand Creek ponds, especially during evening hours when large trout are cruising.  Look for fishing on Chesterfield Reservoir to be improving as fish begin moving to shallower water with our cooling weather.

Still Waters 9-02-10

During Labor Day weekend expect big crowds at any still waters having easy access.   It will be a time to practice courtesy and have patience.   Speckled duns are still hatching around mid day to evening at some higher elevation waters such as Aldous Lake and the Sand Creek  Reservoir ponds.  For Chesterfield and Daniels reservoirs try leech and damselfly nymph patters in deep water.  Dry damselfly patterns will be worth trying at Springfield Reservoir.  Cooling weather will help bring back action throughout.

Still Water 8-25-10

Not much action on our irrigation reservoirs right now.   One report has some good fishing at Hawkins Reservoir where leech patterns fished deep in front of the dam have produced. Consider carrying a float tube into Aldous Lake above Kilgore to enjoy some gulper action around mid day.  Paul Reservoir is producing some medium sized cutthroat for those using small leech and damselfly nymph patterns.

Still Waters 8-21-10

Fishing in many of our irrigation reservoirs is slowing because of draw down making fish run deep to remaining cooler waters.   So natural lakes, especially at higher elevations, make better destinations until we cool off in the fall months. Candidates to try now are Horseshoe Lake with its put and take grayling population, Aldous Lake with its cutts in a gulper mood because of mid day speckled duns, and Paul Reservoir with its put and take cutthroat population.

Still Waters 8-17-10

After being featured in last week’s Post Register Outdoor section, Sand Creek Ponds have received some attention.  Gulpers are providing late morning to early afternoon action in Pond #4.  Hold-over rainbows go more than twenty inches, and some fair sized brook trout can be found in the spring creeks feeding these ponds.   Best action can be had by launching a float tube or kick boat.  Ponds are motorless fishing only.  Consider trying adult damsel patterns here and on other still waters.   We have word of some good action resulting from presenting them on Springfield Reservoir.

Still Waters 8-7-10

What Tom gave in the 8-2-10 still water report for Chesterfield applies to all our irrigation reservoirs with the possible exception of Paul Reservoir at the head of the Beaver Creek drainage.   So if you seek good still waters, it is time to head to mountain lakes.  Some of the nearest in eastern Idaho are Aldous (Centennial Range above Kilgore), Meadow (West of Gilmore Summit), and Mill (off Sawmill Creek), Iron Bog, Brockie and Fishpole ( off Antelope Creek near Moore, ID) lakes. On all these gulpers will be working by mid day, so such as a parachute adams suffice.   Small leech patterns  fished near drop-offs and around shoreline vegetation will also work.   Copper Basin and the Lemhi river drainage feature several lakes. Come to the shop for more information on these.

Still Water 8-2-10

Fishing on Chesterfield yesterday definitely showed signs of change. The surface temp is pushing 74 degrees and the weed growth and algae bloom are well on their way to being a  a late summer normal characteristic.

Right now is the slow time for all of the SE Idaho reservoirs. Water draw down for irrigation and high daily temps make conditions tough for fish and fisher folk also.

Damsels are still hatching , but have slowed appreciably.

Suggestions would include : Fishing deeper, cooler  water with an intermediate  or # 2  sinking line. Don’t forget about all of your favorite leech patterns along with scuds, midges  and snails.

When you catch fish, please be sure they are revived and upright before you release them.

Don’t fret! Stay tuned, cause the fishing will definitely improve in early September, depending on weather and temperature conditions.

Best Fishes

Tom

Still Water 7-31-10

Chesterfield still has been fishing pretty well. The fish are starting to move out into a little deeper water though, making finding the fish a little more difficult. But, when you find the fish and what they are feeding on you can still get into some really good fishing. Damsels are still going on the lake, so fishing with damsel patterns continues to be a good bet. Fish these on floating lines under an indicator, or on sinking lines along with your traditional leech patterns like crystal buggers and mohair leeches. There are a lot of weeds in the lake, but don’t be discouraged by them. Stillwater trout utilize weed beds like you wouldn’t believe. They use them for food, safety, and shade so don’t be afraid to fish right amongst the weeds.

Right now, Chesterfield Reservoir has the best still water fishing in the area.  Springfield, Hawkins and Daniels reservoirs have warmed up, and we have received fewer reports of good fishing from them compared to Chesterfield.

Still Water 7-23-10

As its been mentioned in several previous posts, Chesterfield Reservoir continues to fish very well. The water is getting a little warm with the weather we have had recently, but it really is not  affecting the fishing too much. Intermediate lines and fishing under an indicator are going to be your best bet.  I fished it on both Tuesday 7-20 and Thursday 7-22 and had really good fishing using Damsel nymphs, darker Chironomids, and Callibaetis nymphs.  Stop in at the shop and we can hook you up with patterns and anything else you will need to be successful. Don’t pass up on this opportunity to get into some great fishing for BIG fish!

Still Water 7-22-10

Chesterfield Reservoir is the star of the show here.  That’s because damselflies are emerging big time, with fish readily taking the nymphs and the dries.  Be sure to have your dry and intermediate lines along.  Concentrate your efforts on shallower waters, especially with submerged vegetation.   Bays, coves and shorelines with willows, cat tails and such are good locations.   Watch for rising fish, and be assured that more are likely feeding on nymphs.  Wind can impact the dry fly fishing somewhat, but not nymphing as much.  Word about Chesterfield and its damselflies is out meaning some crowding on best spots, so here are other locations where damselflies are active:  The upper end and east shoreline at Daniels Reservoir, the upper end of Hawkins Reservoir, Twenty-Four Mile Reservoir, Paul Reservoir (great place to take youngsters), shoreline coves and bays on Treasureton Reservoir and Springfield Reservoir.