Silver Creek continues to be productive. Baetis (BWOs), Mahogany Duns, and October Caddis are the bugs du jour. There’s no need to rush to the creek, as the activity really gets going during the late morning and early afternoon. The BWOs will be small, with a size 18 being large; most bugs will be in the size 20 – 22. Mahogany Duns are size 16, and the October Caddis are size 10 – 14. We have a great selection of all these flies here in the fly shop. Callibaetis, beetles, and ants remain in play, but are becoming less effective as the nighttime temperatures continue to dip. During low light conditions (dawn and dusk), fishing your favorite streamer to the deepest, darkest, juiciest water can produce a trophy brown trout. Please be mindful as we move into spawning season and avoid spawning fish and their nests (redds).

The Big Wood River is special in the autumn, and your go to bugs will be BWOs and the Western Red Quill (Hecuba). Again, Baetis are size 18 – 22 and the Western Red Quill is size 10 – 14. Again, we have plenty of great flies to represent these insects here at Picabo Angler. Dry-droppers, standard nymph rigs, and streamer fishing are all great ideas on the Big Wood as well.

The waters of Copper Basin (upper Big Lost River system) are another great option. No need to get on the water early, as the nights in the Basin are quite cool. Look for BWOs, Hecubas, and a few Caddis, and cover plenty of water to fish the choicest locations. Small dropper nymphs fished behind your favorite terrestrial are also effective.

The lower Big Lost River is a Baetis and midge factory during the fall. Flows are hovering around 260 CFS, allowing wading anglers access to most of the river. The same flies that you fish on the Big Wood River and in Copper Basin are effective on the lower Big Lost.

Fishing the Salmon River is also particularly good. Again, have plenty of small BWOs and Hecuba patterns. Dry-dropper techniques produce plenty of fish, and a gaudy streamer can result in some large cutthroat.

This truly is a special time to fish our local waters, and the recent weather couldn’t be better. Keep in mind that flows are low, so fishing long, light leaders is often necessary, and a stealthy approach is required. Make sure to dress in layers, as mornings and evenings are very cool, while the middle of the day is absolutely gorgeous.

As always, please feel free to stop in the shop or give us a call for more information.

Happy Fishing Everyone!