May 5,2015 Fishing Report

May 8, 2015 Lost River Outfitters Fishing Report

Nice rainfall last night! It freshened the air, the wildflowers are heaving a sigh of relief, and if you get high enough up, you can even see the new snow on the Pioneers!  There have been years where May and June rains have saved us, let’s hope we are on track for one of those years!  Magic reservoir drawdown has begun.  Outflows are 924 cfs.  The reservoir has dropped nearly 8 feet already.  The upper Big Wood at Hailey is flowing at 677 cfs this morning, but only 237 cfs are going into Magic at Stanton.  Camas Creek is flowing at about 27 cfs, so it does not look like Magic will benefit much from any runoff.  Most of the upper Big Wood is already in the canals, and the water below Glendale is already diverted.

We have stuff to report, but most of it will come from past and future fishing adventures.

Salmon River

We finished our steelhead season from the Beckwith’s Lodge in Stanley on April 19^th.  My son Blake and his wife Kelly joined us for the weekend.  Kelly was the top rod catching two deep water steelhead, a bull trout, and a nice cutthroat, with innumerable whitefish to boot.  She mastered the upstream double spey with the switch rod.  The switch rod nymphing is a great method for slow, stubborn cold water river fish.  It is pretty easy to learn.  We moved into the steelhead lodge on March 24^th this year and out on April 21^st.  With the fish coming earlier every year we could have been there March 10^th.  My first trip up on February 20 produced three steelhead.  We don’t really like fishing them when they go to gravel to spawn, so finishing early was fine with us.  The Salmon River is now closed to steelhead fishing.

Magic Reservoir

I really enjoy coming back from Stanley to bob around in Magic in my float tube.  Two years ago the smallmouth fishing was spectacular.  Last year the triploid rainbows won top billing.  So far this year Magic has been stingy for me and spotty for others.  I expect that will change and hope it does soon.  It is close, a great afternoon or evening break.  The loons, grebes, mallards, geese and various other waterfowl makes for some interesting bird watching.  Stripping streamers is usually my best method on a tip or full sink.

 

Lower Lost

The Lower Lost is flowing at 225 cfs. It got bumped up to nearly 600 cfs while Susanne and I were guiding it. We still caught fish, but we had to increase the size of our nymphs.  It will hatch baetis and midges on any given day and will wake up the feeding.  Some spawning is still happening so take care not to walk on the redds and let the rainbows finish their jobs.  Nymphing with a double zebra rig size 18-20 on 6X fluorocarbon tippets is very effective before the emergence, which usually happens mid day.  In the fast water rocky reaches a stonefly nymph is very effective on 3 or 4X tippets.  If you encounter a hatch heavy enough to bring fish to the surface try fishing a size 20 black zebra under a size 14-16 adams or purple haze.  Tippet to midge should be short, about 12 inches, and fine, 6X.  Sometimes they even eat the dry fly!

Big Wood

Closed until Memorial Day Weekend.  Will probably fish in early June this year. The warm temps and consequent rains have brought the Wood up as well.

Silver Creek

Closed until Memorial Day Weekend.  Hopefully some of the diverted Big Wood waters will improve flows this season.

South Fork of the Boise

Closed until Memorial Day Weekend.  Flowing at 600 today. 

Little Wood above the reservoir

Closed until Memorial Day Weekend.  The Reservoir might be worth a look from a tube on a warm day.

Carey Lake

Bluegill, bass, and some perch have been caught.  The bird life in the spring is cacophonous.

We still have the petition to change the regulations on the Upper Lost and Copper Basin in the shop.  No word yet, but would like to continue the effort until that great watershed is protected.  Stop in the shop and put your John Henry on it!

The Idaho 2 Fly fundraiser for Idaho men with cancer is scheduled for June 13^th at Ron Sali’s 96 acre pond in Eagle.  The lake is full of big largemouth bass and trout.  The entry fee is $500.  The money goes to a great cause.  It is fun fishing, and a very inspirational event in an amazing setting. If you are interested in participating we have flyers at the shop or you can call my cell at 208-720-3813.  Dick Wilson has done a great job with this event and the two Idaho retreats for men with cancer.

We still have room for Yellowstone fishing trips this June and September.  Best dates are June 10-15 or September 16-18.  But we can accommodate any dates in June or September.  These are three-five day fishing trips.  We stay in cabins in West Yellowstone in June and Silver Gate in September.  It really is more than a fishing trip, but angling for native species in the waters flowing off the top of the continental divide is pretty special.

Spring merchandise is arriving at the shop daily.  Our fly tying room is stocked full.  Stop in and share your latest fishing tale. 

Fish far and fine,

Scott Schnebly

Lost River Outfitters  

Fishing Report 09/12/2013

We typically look forward to mid-September for some of the year's best fishing.  September welcomes slightly lower temperatures, fewer people, and plenty of bugs.  While the fishing is getting good on much of our water, the fire and heavy rain storms have thrown a wrench in our plans.  Here is a quick breakdown of all of our local water:

The Big Wood
The Big Wood has been running black for a little over a week now.  We received heavy rain right after the Beaver Creek Fire was completely contained.  This created massive mud slides which flooded the river with ash and mud.  The river is fishable up north but it isn't even close in Ketchum or Hailey.  Unfortunately we are going to lose some fish, because of this event. Fish and Game is doing a study to quantify the loss of fish on the Wood, and we'll keep you updated once we have those numbers.

The Wood Mid-Valley Running Muddy

Silver Creek
On a brighter note, Silver Creek is fishing great right now! There are still sputtering trico hatches in the morning, but the real fun starts after that.  Look for baetis hatches right after tricos taper off, and you should see callibaetis mid day.  With the Wood being unfishable the creek has seen uncharacteristic pressure for this time of year, but the fishing has stayed strong.  Terrestrials are still a good bet if you aren't seeing fish mid-day.

A Silver Creek Rainbow with a Hopper in Mouth

Copper Basin

With cooler temperatures, Copper Basin and the Upper Lost are starting to fish better again.  This fishery really slows down when hot August weather increases water temperature, but it might be time to revisit these streams.  Fish attractor patterns in deeper water for best results.  If fish won't come to the surface, try dropping a nymph off of your dry fly.  

Lower Lost

We're approaching prime time on the Lower Lost.  This is one of our favorite fall fisheries, and it's starting to get good.  The Lower Lost is still going to fish best in the morning and the evening until things cool off a little bit, but it shouldn't be long before it fishes great all day.  Fish a dry-dropper with a big dry and a small nymph, until you see bugs.  You have a good chance of seeing tricos, baetis, and even a few crane flies this time of year.  

It's time to get out there! Many of our local waters fish best in the fall, so if you've been biding your time to get on the water, the wait should be over.  Swing by the shop before you head out on the river, and we'll get you set up with everything you need.  Remember if you need a little help on the water, we offer full and 3/4 day guide trips.  We'll see you out there!

-CM

Fishing Report Aug 27,2013

Fishing report Aug. 26, 2013 

As probably all of you know we became the #1 priority in the nation with our Beaver Creek fire in mid August.  It was a déjà vu of the Castle Rock fire of 2007.  Smoke, evacuations, and fire conditions pretty much shut down the entire valley for a week.  The firefighters again did an amazing job with a virtual inferno over very dry forest, sage and tinder.  The fire is about 90% contained and not visible from the valley, except for the burn scars.  The valley corridor from East Fork north looks the same. The monsoonal air flows have also been a blessing clearing the air and giving us much needed rains over the last three days, with more rains predicted for the week.

 Even during the fire there was some great and smokeless fishing to be had if you were willing to cross Trail Creek summit and venture into the Big Lost River.  Many days on Silver Creek were clear in the afternoons when the southerly winds kicked the smoke out.  The fish have had a nice break as angling pressure was nearly non-existent. We stayed open, with more limited hours, all through the fire and swa quite a few local anglers who took advantage of the un-crowded fishing conditions.

Now that the fire Is behind us, we hope that our clients will return to the valley to enjoy our favorite fishing season, fall!  Cooler temperatures are here and fall fishing should begin to pick up soon.  Here is what you should expect if you venture into the valley in the next week or so.

           Big Wood

Very low water conditions with flows less than 130 cfs.  We fished 14 foot leaders tapered to 6X yesterday and a size 18 and 20 adams to raise fish.  There was a spotty trico spinner fall, some nice fish would rise to the dry fly.  When rises slowed a size 20 zebra midge under a size 16 attractor purple haze received attention. Don’t forget to throw a hopper into the faster water! The fish are definitely looking up for this big bug and it’s always fun to catch fish on hoppers! Expect  to see some larger fish begin to    show as size 10 hecubas begin to hatch and baetis on cloudy afternoons in early September.  

thank you, firefighters!fire video 

           Silver Creek

Flows and temperatures  are pretty normal on the Creek.  Although trico hatches have been       sporadic, you should look for some surface action on trico and baetis in the late morning if you visit the creek.  Also some callibaetis size 18 are still around.  Dry blue damsels and hoppers will get some attention in the afternoons.  

            Big Lost/Copper Basin

 Unfortunately we have seen evidence of a lot of harvest on these waters again this summer.  There are a few pockets of fish left in the upper river, but they are far and few between.  There are plentiful whitefish as they are protected, but many of the nice cutthroat and rainbow that we saw early season have been taken out.  A madam X size 10 with a dropper nymph size 16 on about two feet of 5X fluorocarbon tippet will fool some of those fish that are still there.   We did catch 4 grayling of spawning size in the upper reaches of the Lost in early August on a guide trip.  Please release the trout, although there is no protection on the trout and the Idaho Fish and Game department still believes there would be no trout in the system if not for their planting efforts. There is plenty of natural spawning in that system to replenish it with wild fine spot cutthroat, west slope cutthroat, rainbow, and cut bows.  It is one of the most pristine systems we have that is easily accessible and needs our protection.

             Lower Big Lost

              The lower river below Mackay reservoir is fishing well with nymphs.  Midge hatches have been strong so bring your size 18 and 20 zebra midge box and there also have been tricos early in the morning. Double nymph rigs produce the best in this system right now.  Tippets with this rigging should include 6X fluorocarbon.  By late September we should start to see some fall baetis and the return of surface feeding. 

  

              Yellowstone Park

               If you are interested in a trip to the Lamar Valley and some amazing fall fishing we can hook you up.  I leave on Sept. 9^th and return on Sept. 21^st.    We could still organize your fall trout trip.  You will fish the Yellowstone River, the Lamar River, Slough Creek, Soda Butte Creek and Trout Lake on your trip.  Minimum trip is three days.  We will organize your lodging.  Call Scott at 208-720-3813 or Susanne at 208-720-1994 or send us an email for further details.

             High Mountain Lake Fishing and Backpacking

              Fall is the time to head out into the mountains! With the summer crowds diminishing, you can have some of the high mountain lakes all to yourself! Check out our Outcast Trinity backpacking float tubes! They only weigh 7 lbs, pump up in less than 10 minutes , and come in a nice pack that has enough room for food, clothing, and even waders! We are licensed to guide hiking and back-backing trips to the lakes in the headwaters of the Big Lost. This is one of the most fabulous experiences! The fish are ready to beef up for the winter and will eat just about anything you throw at them. We can also arrange to have the whole camp packed in, so all you have to carry is a day pack. This also makes it possible to have ‘real’ food and even a libation under the stars! Give Susanne a call on her cell 108.720.1994. She likes nothing better than spending a couple of nights under the stars!

            Steelhead

Fall steelhead season is approaching.  The numbers are not huge, but they are coming into Idaho over Lower Granite Dam right now.  Stop in the shop for a spey lesson or to check out the Air flow rage lines which will make your spey casting easier than you can ever imagine.

             Synopsis

              We have dodged the fire bullet once again thanks to another great incident commander, Beth Lund, and her awesome Incident 1 Team!  We also need to give a great round of applause to all the fire departments who sent fire engines for structure protection! We had fire trucks form all over Idaho and all over the country! We can’t thank all of the fire personnel enough for saving our towns, our valley, and the busiest weekend of the whole year: Wagon Days! Come help us celebrate the end of the Beaver Creek Fire and the beginning of a great fall fishing season!

               We have some great deals on clothing and hard goods! Don’t miss out on our awesome end of summer sale! All summer clothing and footwear is 30-50% off! Only on Saturday, Parade Day, we will discount ALL non-sale clothing items by 10%! We will also serve snacks and libations from 11:00AM to 3:00PM! Come join us for a fun-filled day of retail therapy! Our sale has already started, so if you are in town, check it out now before the crowds return!  

             Here are a couple of reminders of the Beaver Creek Fire......                                                             

          Fish far and fine,

          Scott Schnebly

           Lost River Outfitters 

FISHING REPORT JULY 19,2013

Fishing report July 19

I know you have not heard from me in some time.  For that I apologize.  It has been a whirlwind of a summer.   This last week we had a group on the Big Wood with 30 guides out followed by 25.  That is a muster for us when we usually pride ourselves with customized trips to fit the client.  I had a couple of cancellations for the next two days which is allowing me to catch up on some much needed office time.   An updated fish report was first on my list.

Some like it hot, but not our trout or the insects they feed on.  We have experienced some pretty hot weather so far in July.  Fortunately some monsoonal flows have dumped much needed rain and made for some spectacular thunder storms this month.  The showers have freshened the river flows nicely.  On the evening of July 16^th, just after our large group got off the river, a deluge the likes of which we almost never see came in from the south, pounded the Wood River Valley and continued over the Pioneer Mountains.  The following Day the upper Lost ran muddy and had risen 150 cfc.  Well over an inch of rain fell in some places. It cleared two days later and the fish did not mind.  The high altitude meadows are spectacular and the colors change weekly with blooms of different species.  Even though we are in a dry spell there has been enough moisture that the rivers are staying cool, fishing has been good to excellent, and the landscape is green.  You do need to pick the right river at the right time of day to maximize your effort on the water.  We are promised more monsoonal flows next week by Wednesday.

Big Wood

The Big Wood at Hailey is flowing below normal at 244 cfs this morning.  Still pretty good flows.  Fishing is best in the morning hours until about 2 pm then again in the evening with the caddis hatches.  Expect some rising in the morning to the various smaller mayfly spinners and some residual caddis egg laying occurring.  Some pink Alberts are beginning to show in the waters around Hailey as well.  Mid day expect to see some yellow sallies over the water in their egg laying phase.  Use a small yellow/orange stimulator.  Way north of Ketchum there are still a few Western Green Drakes around both hatching and spinning.  Longer leaders are the norm and if you do not have to match a hatch that is obvious on the water, an over sized dry fly like a stimulator or madam X with a dropper such as a 16-18 zebra midge or a 14-16 copper john will work quite well.  Swinging soft hackle nymphs in size 14 and caddis emergers on the Tenkara rod with the son of a client last week was killer.  You might want to check out our Temple Fork 10 ½ foot and 11 ½ foot Tenkara sticks.  Although swinging flies works fine with your usual gear, the no reel Tenkara is a pretty fun different style of fishing.  We will host Yvon Chouinard  in late August for a limited class in Tenkara fishing.

The water at Stanton flowing into Magic is 26 cfs and is too low and warm for much good success  right now.

Magic Reservoir is still fishing for smallmouth with streamers.  Let’s hope something survives in Magic this summer.

The Lower Big Wood, in case you had not heard, is dead.  Water flows this morning are 1.1 cfs. Two foot rainbows and browns belly up.  Thousands and thousands of trout of all sizes are in decay due to some shortsighted decisions by the Richfield Canal Company, who decided that one more day of water on the dessert alfalfa was more important than saving the trophy fishery in the Canyon below Magic Reservoir.   There is a definite lack of understanding of the value of a fishing resource and riparian habitats when it comes to water use in this state.  This fish kill did not have to happen.  The Wood River Land Trust offered to buy their last day of water release of 850 cfs to maintain daily flows of 20 cfs into September when temperatures cooled to keep the fishery alive.  The Richfield Canal company refused.  What would one less day of water have meant to the alfalfa, when there was less than 60 days of water available, one hay cutting, and temperatures in the 90’s and 100’s?  We lost a great resource.  I personally lost about 1/6^th of my guide water and days. The rest of the fly shops have been affected similarly.  The general fishing public has been robbed of a tremendous resource.  Something needs to change with this water management policy below Magic.  It will take years of good water conditions for it to recover.   If this happened in any other state there would be outrage.  It  is way past time to fix it.  There is a solution and it is not the stubborn status quo.

Silver Creek

Silver Creek is a bright spot with water flows.  It is flowing at 149 cfs.  Best fishing is in the early morning hours with Trico spinner falls and possibly PMD spinners following on some days.  Again the evening when it cools bring the hatches back the PMD emergences which have been very strong.  You should also be prepared with caddis and the tiny baetis.  If you can stand the heat some afternoon callibaetis spinner falls and emerging.  Hoppers are not far off and dry damsels in the middle of the day will surprise some of the big guys.  The rehab project in the pond area of the Nature Conservancy and the RR Ranch has been approved.  I can’t help but think this will speed flows through the pond area and help cool the waters downstream and improve trout conditions throughout all of Silver Creek. 

The Big Lost

The Big Lost system has been a bright spot this year.  Snowpack was decent, there is still some cold water coming from the ice fields above Starhope Creek and Wildhorse Creek, keeping the water and the fish healthy.  Mackay reservoir was full.  The Lower Lost has been flowing at a rate of right around 500 cfs, which is big, but wadable in spots and very fishable, mostly with small weighted nymphs right now.  In the upper Lost, the North Fork, and Copper Basin most of the heavy hatches of green drakes have gone, but there are some golden stones and yellow sallies egg laying mid day.  Most rising will occur in the morning hours when there is a rusty spinner fall and a mix of other streamborn insects.  Take your flying ants in size 14.  If you can’t see them hang them two feet off a parachute Adams or purple haze.  A dropper nymph on 5x fluorocarbon is very effective as well.  Although there are no regulations on the upper system, except for a no kill on whitefish, we have experienced catches of good sized mature rainbows and fine spot cutthroat who show spawning scars from this past spring.  We also had many juvenile fish in the East Fork drowning the dry fly trying to eat.  I really have not seen so many juveniles in the system since whirling disease affected the Big Lost system in the early 1980’s.  That is a very positive sign.  Please release your catch in the upper Lost.  It is one of our most easily accessible pristine river systems in the state.  There are rainbows, cut-bows, and cutthroat over 18 inches in the river and they are feisty, fat, and fun to catch.  No grayling to report yet however.

South Fork of the Boise

Water flows are 1600 from Anderson dam right now.  Access is good with a boat. The giant stones were out last week along with blanket caddis hatches.  Fish are hard to come by when there is that much food available.  As these two hatches diminish look for some pink alberts to emerge from the riffle waters and hoppers begin to attract some attention. 

Yellowstone Park

The Park waters are all fishable now.  The Yellowstone below the Lake is open.  I would stick with the cold water fisheries for now and save the Madison in the Park and the Firehole for fall.  We still have some openings in September for our fall trips to the Lamar Valley if anyone is interested.  If you want a thorough blow by blow, river by river update you should check out the fishing report by Craig Matthews of Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone.  He does a great job. 

That is all for now.  Be ready in August to fish far and fine as the waters continue to drop and grow gin clear.

Tight loops,

Scott Schnebly

Lost River Outfitters

Remember, our kids fly fishing camps are in full swing !