The weather forecast calls for considerably colder weather, rain and possible snow, and some near-freezing overnight lows. This will only last a few days, and then we expect beautiful autumn weather to follow.

The S-Turns on The Nature Conservancy Silver Creek Preserve has closed to fishing as of October 8^th and Kilpatrick Road is closed through at least the end of the year. Dredging on the S-Turns and the Kilpatrick Pond will be ongoing through the month of October. For anglers wishing to fish the Preserve, access must be via Stalker (Stocker) Creek Rd.

The sections of lower Silver Creek – Highway 20 Bridge, Silver Creek West and East (Willows and Point of Rocks), and the North Picabo Road Bridge – will all fish well through October and into the winter. Silver

Dry fly activity can vary depending on the day, but anglers should expect small Baetis (BWO), midges, Mahogany Duns, and October caddis. Throwing streamers and leeches to deep, dark water and undercut banks will take plenty of fish. The old adage of “bright day, bright fly and dark day, dark fly” seems to hold true. Do not be afraid to experiment with your favorite streamers. We will soon see actively spawning brown trout on the Creek, so anglers need to be mindful of redds; look for oval-shaped patches of clear gravel that have been disturbed by spawning fish. In addition, please let actively spawning fish be and do not disturb them!

On the Big Wood River, Baetis and midge activity remains strong given the right weather conditions. A size 18 – 22 Olive Gulper Special or Film Critic accurately imitates Baetis and will fool trout all along the Big Wood. To take fish eating midges (look to the foam lines), fish a visible midge cluster imitation followed by a trailing midge emerger or adult. A white-winged Griffith’s Gnats in a size 16 or 18, trailed by a size 20 or 22 Tie-Down Midge, is an excellent choice. Nymphing will be extremely productive throughout the winter months. Go-to double nymph rigs include large Rubber Legs, Princes, Hare’s Ears, and Copper Johns followed by more diminutive imitations such as black or red Zebra Midges, Pheasant Tails, Rainbow Warriors, or Brassies. Sculpin imitations such as olive Buggers, Zonkers, and Sparkle Minnows fished on a slow swing effectively imitate the numerous sculpin found in the Big Wood. This technique will yield quality over quantity and produces some exceptional rainbows.

On the lower Big Lost River, flows hover at 250 CFS, and fishing remains strong with Baetis and midges. Fall is an excellent time to fish the lower Big Lost but pay attention to weather and road conditions over Trail Creek Summit.

The fishing on the upper Big Lost River system (Copper Basin) and Salmon River between Stanley and Challis will slow down considerably given the cooler weather, but fishing can be productive in the afternoons. Baetis and small dry/droppers are particularly effective.

Please give us a call in the shop or stop by if you have any questions on fall tactics and gear.

Happy Fishing Everyone!