Fishing report first week of March

Fishing report March 1, 2014 Lost River Outfitters

Let there be water!!  What a change we have seen in the month of February in our water supplies and snowpack.  The high pressure off the west coast has broken down and given us a nice series of storms.  Both our snow water equivalent and precipitation to date have gone from below 50% in our central Idaho drainages to around 70%.  The Big Wood snow water equivalent is at 83% and rising today.  Snow water is what fills our reservoirs.  We are still behind, but in much better shape than anyone could have imagined in mid January.  The Salmon drainage is over 100% in snow water equivalent.  Eastern Idaho and Yellowstone are in the +90% to + 100% snowpack.  Our low elevation snowpack is slim, but we have had lowland rains which should help our water tables.  The high country is looking great, with backcountry skiing in full swing.  It looks like it will keep coming and we are thankful.

Some of the dreary days have given us time at the tying bench to replenish our trout flies, prepare for spring saltwater trips, and fill fly bins for spring steelhead season.  In the mean time temperatures have been mild. We have enjoyed some great winter fishing days.  Here is what has been happening on our local rivers and what to expect in the near term.

Big Wood

The Big Wood is fishing quite well.  The floods of last September did not kill the bugs or all of the fish.  The trout are looking quite healthy and starting to bulk up for the spring spawn.  Midge hatches have grown heavy enough to make the trout selective in some pools.  Water levels have risen due to the warm days and some early runoff, but not enough to change the river much.  Large Stonefly imitations are still working, but a double nymph rig seems to be more consistent.  An Anato mayfly nymph, brassie, or copper john with a zebra midge trailer has been an effective combination, in sizes 14 and 18 respectively.   If you encounter a pod of rising fish trail a dry midge from a larger dry so you can pick out the rise to your midge.  We like the LRO midge emerger as the trailer.  The trout will eat it wet or dry and many of the fish are picking out the emerging midge rather than eating the fully emerged adult.  Don’t forget your 6X tippet.  Fluorocarbon on your nymph rigs seem to result in more eats.

The inflow of the Wood to Magic has been spotty.  Some days are better than others.  Water levels have tripled in size in the last week, so maybe some fish will move up from Magic.

The outflow of the Wood from Magic has had triple the flows it normally has, still only 5 cfs, probably due to some rain and melt on the dessert.  Those fish will eat midge pupae, scud, and small nymph imitations readily.  Please release your fish in the lower Wood, they are all we have to replenish that potentially trophy fishery after the low water kill of last summer.

Silver Creek

Closed until Memorial weekend.

Lower Big Lost

This is the time for the lower Lost to shine.  Midges and Baetis hatches combine to make one of your most memorable winter trout days.  Flows are 84 cfs, which is enough to move your fly through a drift.  Imitations need to be good on fine tippets as they will get a very good look at your imitation. The winter baetis is big for baetis,  size 17-18.  I like sight fishing the feeders with a large baetis imitation, small adams, or gulper special with a trailing size 18 pheasant tail on 6X fluorocarbon.  It pretty much covers your bases during the hatch periods.  A dry fly on top or a baetis nymph or midge pupae just sub-surface.  Large stonefly nymphs in the faster rocky reaches are also good, if you just want to relax and watch the bobber.

South Fork of the Boise

Flows are at 307 cfs right now.  I would not expect them to move for some time.  The Boise drainage is below 100% and Anderson Reservoir has lots of room to fill.  The hatches on the South Fork are midge and micro baetis at this time of year.  The trout can be challenging when working the micro stuff, but the reward of a 20 plus inch bow is worth the effort.  Girdle bugs in the rocky moving reaches will also produce under an indicator.  Frank showed me a picture of a 30 inch rainbow taken last week on the South Fork.  Streamers with your new switch rod might produce the fish of a lifetime.  It is worth the trip into the canyon and to see the effects of the fires if you have not made it down this year.

 Salmon River

The Salmon below Yankee Fork is flowing at 456 cfs already.  That is about 80 cfs above normal for this time of year.  Steelhead are moving upriver with the ice receding and the increased flows.  Fish are being caught at Challis, and still in Riggins.  They are still coming over the Snake River dams.  Although the run is a bit below 10 year average, we should see our share in the upper river by early April.  If you are interested we still have room at the Steelhead Lodge in Stanley in the month of April.  We would be happy to host you or your group on a steelhead trip for the longest running steelhead in the world!

Yellowstone Park

Closed.  We are booking June and September trips right now.  It is imperative to do it early as lodging can be an issue. 

Open dates are:

June 9, 10, 11.  June 12, 13, 14,  June 15, 16-booked,  June17, 18, 19.

Sept. 13, 14, 15, Sept. 16, 17, 18, Sept. 19, 20, 21, Sept. 22, 23, 24, Sept. 25, 26, 27, 28-booked.

Let us know if you might want to do a Yellowstone trip this year.  Water levels should be good.  It is more than just a fishing trip.  June dates we fish the Madison, the Firehole, the Gibbon, and Duck Creek.  September trips we fish the Lamar, the Yellowstone, Slough Creek, and Trout lake.  We organize the lodging and suggest transport arrival and departures. 

Fish far and fine,

Scott Schnebly

Fishing report 1/21/2014

Fishing report Jan. 22, 2014

To say our fishing has been and will be weather affected is an understatement this past year.  If the weather pattern doesn’t change it will carry into our summer and possibly future years.  A two thousand mile long, four mile high, high pressure system has been sitting off the Pacific coast for a year now.  If you recall, the last real wet westerly system we had in Idaho was in December of 2013.  Since then our storms have come from the north.  Typically they go east of Central Idaho and are fairly dry by the time they reach us.  The airflows over the summer came as monsoons from the south and with the thunderstorms creating lightning and our huge fire season.  September gave us big rain from the monsoonal flows, which, on top of bare burned ground, created mud flows into many of our watersheds.  Some of our rivers flowed black to dark brown for weeks.  The South Fork of the Boise was closed, the Big Wood unfishable, and the doomsday predictors said everything in the rivers died.  All the bugs and fish were gone.  Recovery would take years.  Happy to report that is not the case.  Long term the carbon in the streams will be good.  We should have more plant growth, more food for the insects, and therefore better growth for the fish.  The Yellowstone fires in the 1980’s were a good example of that very thing.

In the mean time we are only about 50% precipitation of average in Idaho.  We need water for our fish and crops, and winter sports.  Hopefully the weather pattern will change.  We are not the only western state affected.  Here is our mid winter fishing report.

Big Wood River

The September floods did result in some dead fish.  It seems whitefish were found dead as well as some trout.  We could have lost some young of the year fingerlings as well, which will show up in a couple of years.  This winter guide season has been productive however. Some afternoon days producing 20-40 fish for those who don’t mind nymphing.  There has been some rising to midges in soft water, with hatches heavy enough for the trout to be selective in some instances. Midge hatches should increase in February. A few of the rainbows are thin, no doubt due to the stress of the flood and dark water, but many are fat and healthy.  Due to low snowpack the river is easily accessible and many days on the water have been above 32 degrees, so iced guides not much of a problem.  Below Magic Reservoir fish have survived near the dam.  They are thin due to the stress of having spent the latter part of the summer in warm water and probably competing for food.  Those fish are the seed to repopulate the system when water flows return to a more normal state.  Please treat them gently and release.

Silver Creek

If you are in the area you should stop by Kilpatrick Bridge to see the progress of the Silver Creek project.  We should see the waters below the pond improve in water quality and fish populations as a result.  It is pretty an amazing change already.  Although the water gauge says frozen, the creek is not.  The best approach is streamer fishing this time of year.  Try a black leech or bugger or a Philo Betto to entice the larger browns and rainbows this time of year.  Floating lines are fine.  We should see some midge hatches in February, with occasional rising.

The Lower Big Lost

The Lower Lost is flowing at 75 cfs today.  It was too low when it was first shut off flowing in the high 50’s.  The pools were ponds and all of the fish that would take were stuffed into the riffle water at the heads of the pools.  Nymphing the moving water is the most productive this time of year.  Pheasant tails, zebra midges in the riffle waters with 5 and 6X fluorocarbon is a good choice.  In the faster rocky runs a stonefly nymph is always a good choice.  Look for the midge hatches to improve as the winter goes on and we can always count on the March baetis for a good dry fly fix.

South Fork of the Boise

 This is a different river after the floods.  If you get a chance, it is worth a drive into the canyon.  Boulders the size of trailer houses came down the mountain and changed the river.  I had a chance to fish it a few weeks ago and although it suffered the same fate as the Big Wood, there were some very healthy and large trout, and even a number of whitefish to the nymph.  There is some rising to midges and look for the tiny baetis to bring fish to the surface in the very soft pools.    

Steelhead

Although our steelhead run is not big this year, it is better than twenty years ago.  Somewhat less than 110,000 fish have reached Idaho so far.  Reports are that the Snake and the Clearwater are giving up some winter fish to some hardy spey casters.  We are booking the Stanley Steelhead Lodge now, and have taken a number of early dates in late March and April.  If you have specific dates or requested guides it would be a good time to call the shop and get on the book.  208-726-1706

Lost River Events

Fly tying classes

Fly tying classes begin in February.  There is a sign-up sheet on the counter.  Cost is $20/class.  Materials provided.  Beginner to steelhead intruder classes offered.

Fly fishing film Waypoints

Benefit for the Nature Conservancy’s restoration project. Fly fishing film, Waypoints, will be presented by Lost River Outfitters and Waterworks-Lamson at the Next Stage Theatre on Jan. 24^th at 6:30 pm.   Raffle prizes include Smith sunglasses, a Waterworks reel, Ex-Officio shirt, men’s and women’s Scottevests, men’s and women’s wool base layer from First Light, a gift certificate from Enoteca, among others.   Raffle tickets are $5.00.   

A beer and wine reception begins at 6:30.  Tickets are $10, or six for $50 and are available at Lost River Outfitters.

Yellowstone Park Fishing Adventures

Yellowstone Park Fishing Adventures

We are booking our June and September Yellowstone trips now. Some dates are taken.  If you have not fished Yellowstone Park it you owe it to yourself. It is our domestic “international” fishing adventure, and is much more than just a fishing trip.  We make lodging arrangements and can help with your airline connections. If you are interested send me an email at scott@lostriveroutfitters.com and we will get you a photo album, details, costs and answer your questions.

Fish far and fine,

Scott Schnebly   

News from the store:

The new Patagonia Women’s fishing line is in!

Patagonia is introducing a new W’s wader, fishing jacket, and other W’s specific clothing items and we have the waders and jackets in stock!

The drop seat wader has many great features! One of the greatest innovations is the drop seat, making it possible to attend to Nature’s call in relative privacy and without removing your jacket! Come on in and check them out!

I will post more about these waders on our next blog! And, we’ll have another ladies night soon!

We also have the new Winston Boron III LS in stock now! Not only does this rod cast like a dream, it is also the sexiest rod Winston has come out with!

Stop in and cast this great new stick! We’ll gladly take you outside and let you try it! It’s always fun to cast a new rod, and the boys and gals in our shop would love to go out into the sunshine and let you play around a bit!

I am at the OR Show in Salt Lake right now and will report back next week.

Remember, if we don’t have what you’d like, we’ll gladly order it for you!

Susanne   Susanne@lostriveroutfitters.com

 w's wader video

Fishing Report June 4, 2013

June 4, 2013 Fishing report

Even though many of our local waterways now have year round fishing the Memorial Day opener is still the traditional beginning of our season here in south Central Idaho.  Folks did flock to the water.   We also experienced the usual late spring showers over opening weekend.  Although the weather has been unsettled with rain, snow, and hail it is not yet enough to fully relieve our drier than normal winter with moderate snowpack and runoff.  Our local drainages are just over 80% average precipitation.  The Big Wood drainage looks the most meager with Magic being drawn down dramatically this early in the season.  The water master says irrigators dependent on Magic water will be out of water by July 1.  Water storage in Magic suffered when there was a big drawdown last fall to repair a faulty valve and hydraulic hose.  There has been little runoff in the Big Wood to refill the reservoir.  The fishery below Magic will do doubt suffer as a result, which is unfortunate as it has thrived over the last four or five years.  We hope there will be a solution when shut off time comes for an additional water release to keep the fishery alive.  Keep the rains coming!!  There is some good fishing to be had early so here goes.

Silver Creek 

Silver Creek has been rising slowly which is a good thing.  It opened the season at just over 80 cfs and is 86 today with normal flows around 120 for this time of year.  Our windy conditions have not helped the dry fly fishing, but wets and streamers have produced.  Look for the large early PMD’s and baetis in late morning early afternoon to hatch on warmer days.  Caddis and PMD’s could also show in the evening hours.  Callibaetis will begin to show in the still water sections on warm days as well.  Brown Drakes are in full swing now.  Our bins are stocked with our own drake spinner patterns, emergers, and nymphs as well as the pure dun patterns.  Stop by and stock up, even witnessing this amazing hatch is worth the price of admission!

Big Wood

We had trips out over the weekend on the Big Wood, amazing for this time of year.  The upper Wood is flowing at 847 cfs today and is clear.  Side channels, eddies and the slower big pools are fishing well with rubber legged stonefly patterns.  Weighted double nymph rigs as copper johns, and green drake nymphs are also effective.  Although the Wood usually peaks with runoff in mid-June, we may have already seen the peak at just over 1200 cfs.  It will take some 80 degree days in order for the last snow to come down in a rush. 

Lower Wood

Below Magic is flowing at 694 cfs today.  Not big for normal flows.  There has been little fishing pressure.  It may be the only time to fish it as there will be little water later.  Be careful in the float tube.  Our favorite black rubber legged nymph with a prince point fly is a good starting kit early in the season on the Canyon stretch.   Black zebra midges also good point fly choices.  I would not expect much rising or dry fly activity in the Canyon.

Big Lost

The upper Big Lost is pretty clear, but running fast and cold at 729 cfs today.  I would probably wait for it to come down before attempting to fish it as well as the East Fork.  If you feel the need to fish the upper Lost  head for the steppes in the headwaters in Copper Basin where the small waters could give you some fishing in some beautiful country. 

Lower Lost

The lower Lost below Mackay reservoir is worth the trip.  It is a bit big at 494 cfs today, but can be crossed in some places and is fishing with nymphs right now.  The rainbows are not too picky either.  A girdle bug with a small prince nymph worked for me on my guide trip on the opener.  A copper john and caddis pupae was my second choice.  The bigger fish were harder to find as they seem to be hunkered in the deeper faster runs, but there were plenty of eager 12-16 inch fat feisty rainbows.  Expect some pmds, caddis, yellow sallies, and giant stones to begin emerging as June progresses. 

South Fork of the Boise

With flows at 1640 today it is best floated.  Reports are that it is fished well with weighted nymphs in size 14-16  or rubber legged girdle bugs.  Look for the giant stones to begin emerging in the next couple of weeks, as well as the tan bodied brachycentrus caddis. 

Magic Reservoir/Anderson Reservoir

You don’t need a boat.  Bass fishing from shore on both still waters has been pretty epic.  If you want to bob around, a float tube will help you cover more water.  Magic has also been fishing pretty well for big rainbows, but the bass fishing this spring has been pretty spectacular with 14-18 inchers whacking a red/brown blood leach on a sinking tip.

Yellowstone Park

The Madison, Firehole, and Gibbon are some of the best fishing waters in the Rocky Mountains in the early season.  Hatches are advanced due to the warm geyser waters.  PMD’s, Baetis, and Caddis hatch most days and evenings on the Firehole.  The stonefly emergence is not far behind.   The Madison is a couple hundred cfs below normal and perfect flow, fluctuating between 550 and 650 cfs.  We have two parties in the Park beginning June 11.  If you have not fished the Park you owe it to yourself.   We still have some open dates in September in the Lamar Valley in the Park if you are interested.  We fish the Yellowstone River, the Lamar River, Slough Creek, Trout Lake and Soda Butte Creek in the fall.  By late September we like the Madison and the Gibbon for the run up browns and rainbows.  Let us know if you would like a Park trip.  They are three to five day excursions.   Lodging is in cabins, lunches on us, dinners out, showers at the end of the day, and it is closer than Alaska or Argentina.

Shop notes:

Zac has returned from rooster fishing and joined us for some Brown Drake action on the creek along with Frank and Sagen..  Cody, Chase, Rachael, and Rob return June 9^th from Mexico.  We will be looking forward to some stories and photos.

The new Patgonia Waders are in stock including the zip model.  The Patagonia aluminum bar boot is ready for wading the slick or big rocky waters.  Winston’s BIIIX rods are still on top of our list. 

The fly bins are full and the tying room has some new Whiting hackles.

We are booking the summer kid’s camps now and our guides are ready if you want assistance.  Stop by for a some new Trout Hunter tippet or to swap a story or photo.

Susanne and I will be returning from Mark Harbaugh's Goat Mountain Ranch where we attended the Annual Patagonia Dealer Camp. It's always fun to brainstorm with Yvonn Chouinard, Bill Klyne, Bart Bonime, Mark Harbaugh the powers-that-be at Patagonia. It was also good to catch up with April Vokey and the ladies form the design team and the numbers crunchers of Patagonia. The Spring 14 line looks amazing, and we can hardly wait to show you all the new Women's fishing line starting next January. 

Everyone is going fishing today, but we have to head home to guide. Susanne has to write the women's fishing line order today to help Patagonia get an idea of where that may go and to make sure we will have it all in stock next Spring.

Get out there and enjoy the Spring!

Tight loops and lines,

Scott Schnebly