Silver Creek comes alive during autumn! The fall bugs will hatch during the most pleasant part of the day, and the surrounding scenery on the creek is breathtaking. We’re seeing excellent hatches of small Baetis/BWO (size 20 – 24) on the entirety of Silver Creek. The October Caddis and Mahogany Duns will become increasingly more prevalent and blind fishing an orange or tan Stimulator, Goddard Caddis, or Elk Hair Caddis in size 10 – 14 can be incredibly effective on breezy fall days. Midges are becoming more prominent on the creek as well and will continue to do so as the season progresses. Small Griffith Gnats, Parachute Midges, and Tie-Down Midges in sizes 18 – 24 work well on the creek when paired with long, fine leaders. We are still seeing plenty of size 16 Callibaetis as well, particularly on warmer days. Now is the time to be on Silver Creek.

The Big Wood River is another gem. Again, small BWOS and midges are the ticket on the river right now if you’re in search of some dry fly fishing, along with the Hecuba (Western Red Quill). Nymphing is extremely productive this time of year on the Wood, and fishing streamers on the lower river is the way to go when you are in search of big fish.

The upper Big Lost River system and Salmon River continue to fish well, particularly in the afternoon once the water temperature rises a bit. Look for small BWOs, Westen Red Quill, and October caddis. Small attractor dries are especially effective, as is fishing the tried-and-true hopper/dropper method.

The lower Big Lost River flows have dropped to a fishable level at 260 CFS. Anglers are having success fishing BWO patterns, hopper/droppers, and tandem nymph rigs.

This is the time of year that streamer junkies get excited about; Silver Creek’s brown trout, the Big Wood’s rainbows, and the cutthroat of Copper Basin all look for meaty streamers during autumn. Get out on the water and throw some of your favorites in search of a trophy trout.

Happy Fishing Everyone!