The Trico hatch is in full swing on Silver Creek. Be sure to have dun and spinner Trico imitations, long leaders of 12 feet or more (6X and 6.5X), and a solid downstream presentation when fishing this hatch. Baetis (BWOs) have been mixed in with Tricos, so be prepared to switch up bugs at a moment’s notice. The Callibaetis have continued to show during the late morning and early afternoons as well. Once the morning dry fly activity wanes, fish beetles, ants, and adult damsels. We have not had consistent hopper fishing yet, but it wouldn’t hurt to throw a hopper pattern given a bit of a breeze on the Creek. Action has slowed down considerably during the hottest part of the day, so most anglers are fishing early and late on the Creek. The last hour or two on Silver Creek can be productive, with Baetis, Callibaetis, PMDs, and caddis appearing on the evening menu.

The Big Wood River also fishes well early and late. In the mornings, small attractor dries fished at the heads of riffles is highly effective. Your favorite small dropper nymph will take those fish not willing to eat on the surface. There are a few Yellow Sallies, Tricos, and Pink Alberts (pinkish-cream PMDs) around, so keep an eye out for the naturals. Hoppers and Hopper/Droppers will produce throughout the day. In the evening, the fish will be focused on caddis, and the fishing can be fantastic during the last couple hours of daylight.

The waters of Copper Basin are a great option right now. Conditions are ideal for wet wading and covering the Upper Big Lost and lower East Fork in search of large cutthroat. Hoppers, Stimulators, Chubby Chernobyls, and Fat Alberts are all great bugs to throw.

The lower Big Lost is still on the high side, but strong waders are having good fishing with Tricos, PMDs, Craneflies, and Hopper/Droppers.

The Salmon River from Stanley down to Challis has been a bit off color due to recent rain and mudslides, but as the river clears up expect excellent fishing. Caddis, Spruce Months, BWOs, and Hopper/Droppers are the ticket.

The South Fork Boise River is still flowing at 1600 CFS, so floating the river is a great option now. Look for Pink Alberts, Caddis, and Hoppers throughout the river system, and like the Big Wood, fish the shallow, fast riffles.

In August, we see flying ants on the Big Wood, Silver Creek, and upper Big Lost, so don’t fish those waters without a few quality imitations.

Happy Fishing Everyone!