Fishing report March15,2013

Fish report March 15, 2013

It is a pretty magical time of year to go to our rivers, pre run-off.    There is a lot going on.  Where does one go on which day?  The weather is making that decision difficult.   The day time temperatures are almost too nice, and we could certainly use more precipitation.  In the meantime go with the hand you are dealt.  There are many choices.

The Lower Big Lost is our favorite trout stream this time of year.  It is a very manageable 110 cfs.  Slow enough for trout to rise to the big blue wings and the large midges that hatch in March.  Some days the hatch will be heavier than others, but there will always be some trout looking to the surface or the film fly.  If no rising is evident a double zebra outfit down and dirty with 5 ½ or 6X fluro will seal the deal.  If there is surface activity I like a small gulper special, parachute adams, or high vis baetis with a size 16 or 18 pheasant tail or even a midge emerger trailer on light tippets.  Even though they can get picky at times, it is some of the best trout fishing of the year.  Some fish are spawning.  Let them do it.

The Big Wood at Hailey is flowing about 20 cfs above normal with the warm temperatures.  Not much has changed all winter here.  Zebra midges off a brassy or copper john, a girdle bug naked, a small dry with a zebra trailer to the rising fish should match the hatch on most occasions.  Below Magic is pretty accessible with the roads drying.  It is being fished pretty hard, but works with streamers or small nymphs.  Keep abreast of the Wood River Land Trust’s efforts to add water to that system. They can use your support.  It would be a real boon to the fishery, the economy, and the health of the stream to have 25 cfs in the streambed instead of 5 cfs at this time of year.

Silver Creek is closed.

The Salmon River is flowing at 425 cfs at Yankee Fork today.  It is a bit above normal flows.  The river is clear and fish are beginning to show in the upper river above the East Fork.  Most steelhead are still down around North Fork, but the warm weather should move them upstream.  We still have some openings at the lodge.  Many nights are full. Call the shop, 208-726-1706, for openings if you want a full service steelhead excursion.  We will treat you with three great meals, a full day on the Salmon River, and a hot tub before dinner.   The Idaho Rivers United breakfast was Wednesday morning.  It played to a full house once again.  We very much support their efforts to return wild salmon and steelhead to their natal Idaho waters.

There is enough to keep any angler busy right now, enjoy.

Tight loops and lines,

Scott Schnebly

Lost River Outfitters