It’s Thursday and that means it’s time to start looking ahead to the weekend and our fishing report. The good news, just in, is that Governor Little and the Idaho Fish & Game have lifted restrictions on the sale of non-resident fishing licenses as well as the 2-week self-quarantine. Fishing licenses will be available to non-residents this Saturday, May 16th at 10:00 am. You can read the press release here.
Our fly shop is open daily 8-5. You are welcome to come into the shop or call your order in ahead and pick up at our walk-up window on the deck.
Flows were raised again last week to 15,400 cfs. This is a very fishable flow and the water is cold and clear right now. With the bump in flows we are seeing fish holding in slower moving water as fast-moving banks are producing fewer fish. Focus your attention on “protected” water. Fish behind logs, rocks, slower-moving banks, drop-offs and riffles. It takes a lot of work to swim in that fast and cold water so we are seeing more fish in the “slow stuff”.
I always feel like a broken record this time of year as not many changes from now until we start seeing dry flies in mid-June or so. Subsurface tactics remain the name of the game.
- Nymphs – Big stonefly nymphs such as Pat’s Rubberlegs or Cheater Belly Stones are the bread and butter right now trailed by a midge, BWO, San Juan Worm (pink!), or an egg pattern. Our shop manager Shayde said – “Turds and worms”
- Streamers – Focus on slow, deep, and even water that isn’t moving. (Reminder from above: focus on the slow water.)
- More on Eggs – Rainbows and Cutthroats are both spawning in the river right now and all the fish in the river will eat an egg. Remember to stay off any spawning beds (reds) if you see them but if you do see them, fishing below them with an egg pattern can be effective and a great way to catch and keep some rainbows if you’re into it. Keep your eyes open as you float over shallow gravel bars with smaller sized gravel that the fish like to build their reds in.
If you have questions about fishing, lodging, shuttles, licenses, flies please give our fly shop a call at 208.483.2222.
Have fun fishing!