Fishing Report

Big Wood River To sum things up, this winter has been the warmest on record. This has allowed for many winter days of fishing. We have a good snowpack at higher elevations but little snow on the valley floors. As of this writing it’s been 20 days since our last snowfall. Everyone and especially skiers have their fingers crossed for some storm/snow action come February. The Wood River is flowing at 150 cfs and there have been some midge hatches mid-day and into the afternoons. Fishing has been good on the warmer days. We have had some colder temps this 3rd week of January.

Silver Creek As with the Big Wood, midge hatches have been happening and it’s possible to find rising trout in certain locations. Downstream of Hwy 20, east of Picabo, the stream stays open year-round.

Big Lost River The Lower Lost is flowing at 65 cfs. Midge activity and a few BWO’s have kept the trout on the job.

Mackay Reservoir With the recent cold weather, more ice has developed. The reservoir is slowly rising with inflows and now stands at 45 feet.

Big Wood River Tricos are done for the season and the giant Red Quills are starting to fade. The autumn Blue Wing Olive hatches will carry us through October. Flows are nice and low at 90 cfs, so easy to spot trout.

Silver Creek In isolated areas along the Creek, one can find significant Mahagony Duns hatching starting about 9:00/9:30 AM. Shortly thereafter, out come the small Baetis Mayflies. Dry fly fishing is fantastic if you are in the right spot. Aquatic weed growth is slowly starting to die back opening up more water to fish. Callibaetis hatches are starting to fade but there are still a few. Fishing is great and the autumn temps delightful.

Lower Big Lost River Flows are at 160 CFS. Tricos are done but one can find good Baetis hatches along with a smattering of Mahagony Duns. We have been experiencing some days with rain showers along with some lighting activity.

Mackay Reservoir Starting to fill back up after construction work on the dam. The stream coming in is fishing well.

Silver Creek

With Autumn beginning to show and slightly cooler temps, hatches are starting to change. Tricos are still out but no doubt will start to fade soon. Hoppers are fairly abundant. Callibaetis hatches should remain strong through this month. Look for the Mahagony Duns anytime now.

Big Wood River Flows are low at 100 cfs in Hailey. There are a scattering of Mayfly hatches in the late morning including the giant Red Quills. These large Mayflies have just started and should last a couple weeks.

Big Lost River The Lower Lost River flows are at 275 cfs. Tricos are still hatching in the mornings. There are a few Baetis hatching midday. The Large Craneflies are still buzzing around but will subside with cooler autumn temps.

Mackay Reservoir The irrigation district is lowering the reservoir to work on the dam again this fall/winter. It’s now down to 16 feet. The boat ramp is not easy to use at this low level. Small personal crafts such as float tubes or small pontoon boats are the call.

Silver Creek Tricos are the morning mainstay with a few Callibaetis and BWO’s. Get on the water by 7:30 to catch some Trico Duns hatching before the Spinner Fall starts. The Callibaetis hatch can be mid-day for an hour or two.

Big Wood River Mayfly hatches include Tricos in the morning. There are also some of the small yellow Craneflies. Evening Caddis hatches are always great in August right on dusk with a few hitting the water in the morning.

Lower Big Lost River The flows are at 400 cfs. Tricos are just beginning for the month. There are a few Baetis as well. The large Cranflies are out flying and skittering across the water’s surface. Evening Caddis are excellent.

Mackay Reservoir The reservoir is dropping at a persistent rate because of the 400 cfs releases from the dam. It is now at 40 feet. Fishing remains good.