September marks the unofficial start of fall in the Wood River Valley, and with it comes some of the season’s finest fishing. While most of our waters are low, recent cooler nighttime temperatures have provided a needed respite from the heat and have us thinking about fall hatches on local fisheries.

On the Big Wood, we should soon see the arrival of one of the river’s best hatches – the Western Red Quill (AKA Hecuba). This is a large, meaty mayfly that appears on mild afternoons and tempts the river’s rainbows and browns. Use size 10 and 12 imitations such as the H&L Variant, Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, and even a Green Drake. Terrestrials such as ants, beetles, and hoppers are still prevalent, and a few small mayflies and caddis are found along the river. Long, light leaders and a stealthy approach are required. Dry/Dropper techniques are effective in fast, well-oxygenated riffles.

Silver Creek is fishing well in the morning with a mix of BWOs, a few Tricos, PMDs, and Calibaetis. As the temperatures cool, the Trico and Calibaetis hatches will wane, while the BWO activity intensifies. Recent mornings and evenings have seen a sprinkling of flying ants on the Creek, and hoppers and damsels are still productive during the warm, blustery afternoon. Towards the middle and end of the month, look for the arrival of the Mahogany Dun and October Caddis.

The Lower Big Lost River is still flowing at about 312 CFS making wading and river navigation a bit challenging. Some Tricos and small BWOs are present in the mornings, and hoppers and craneflies are present in the afternoon. Take your nymph box when fishing the lower Lost; the river is full of midge, cranefly, and BWO nymphs. We look forward to a wonderful fall season on the Lower Big Lost.

The Upper Big Lost River is low, but fish are still taking a variety of terrestrials and attractor dries. It’s a great place to find solitude and hunt for some truly impressive Cutthroats. Keep moving, cover lots of water, and concentrate your efforts on the prime water. No need to be on the river early; the best fishing is during the warmest part of the day.

The Salmon River near Stanley is another good option. There’s a good mix of bugs available; BWOs, Hoppers, and Spruce Moths are all present and provide good dry fly fishing.

The South Fork Boise River is flowing at around 600 CFS; ideal flows for the wading angler. Look for the continued presence of Pink Alberts, Flavs, BWOs, Caddis, and terrestrials.

Happy Fishing Everyone!