Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.

Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading.

Thank you for reading! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.

Welcome! We hope that you enjoy our free content.

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribe purchase a subscription to continue reading.

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribe purchase a subscription to continue reading.

Thank you for signing in! We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content.

Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription or log into an existing subscription to continue reading the Idaho Mountain Express.

Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription or log into an existing subscription to continue reading the Idaho Mountain Express.

Your current subscription does not provide access to this content.

Sorry, no promotional deals were found matching that code.

Promotional Rates were found for your code.

Partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 67F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

A few clouds. Low near 40F. Winds light and variable.

Serving Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue and Carey

As we approach the autumnal equinox, it seems fitting that cool weather has finally arrived in the Wood River Valley. We even have some potential rain in the forecast over the coming week. With this change in the weather, we should see patches of brilliant gold and crimson along the hills and rivers. While these cooler air temperatures have triggered the leaves to turn, it will also signal the bugs of fall (baetis, mahoganies, and hecubas) to hatch. Be sure to get out over the next several weeks, as they can be some of the best of the season.

SILVER CREEK: The Creek is slowly transitioning into a fall fishery, which means the tricos are mostly done. On the unseasonably warm days, you may still find a few tricos mixed with baetis. The baetis may be strong enough to get fish feeding intermittently on the surface and provide targets for the angler. On cloudy days, expect baetis in size 22 and 24 to be the dominant hatch. These hatches are generally strong enough in short bursts to get most all the fish involved on the surface. Of course, callibaetis (size 16 and 18) are still going to be a factor throughout the day in the pond and sloughs over the next few weeks. And finally, mahogany duns (size 16) and October caddis (size 12) should get rolling as we head into the second half of September. Remember, while fishing in the Preserve, you are required to sign in. This can be done via your phone with the QR code posted at all access points or by texting “Visitor” to 833-593-0682.

BIG WOOD: The Wood is low, and the water is cool. As a result, there is no need to start fishing too early in the day. On any given day you will find a nice mix of bugs including small caddis, baetis, flying ants, crane flies, and red quills. When you find fish, they tend to be spread out in and around the deeper holding water, feeding voraciously. Approach with caution and observe the water before making your first cast and you are sure to find fish holding in a variety of water types.

THE UPPER LOST: Focus your fishing on the main stem of the Upper Lost from the North Fork confluence on down. Expect there to be maybe a slew of smaller fish with one or two good fish per bucket. There might be a few whitefish as well. Like all our mountain rivers, fishing is best from the middle of the day into the late afternoon.

THE LOST BELOW MACKAY: The flows are still holding at 200 cubic feet per second. The cooler weather has moved the bug activity to the late morning and through the middle of the day. Expect to see a few tricos and a plethora of baetis, especially on the cool, cloudy days. When the bugs are gone, be prepared to nymph.

SALMON RIVER: Before traveling up state Highway 75 to Stanley be sure to check on road closures due to the Ross Fork Fire. If you decide to go, both the upper and lower Salmon are fishing well right now. With the lower flows, walk and wade fishing is a good way to approach the water; however, floating the lower reaches is still an option.

SOUTH FORK OF THE BOISE:

The flows are up a tad to just under 600 cubic feet per second but should drop even more very soon. Expect to see pinks, PMDs, baetis, and flavs in the afternoons. Also, craneflies will be seen skittering about along with a few caddis. If you find no bugs, you might try a hopper. Nymphing is also going to be productive especially for whitefish.

LOCAL PONDS: Lake Creek Pond, Penny Lake, and Gaver’s Lagoon have been stocked and are a nice place for a family picnic.

Your comment has been submitted.

There was a problem reporting this.

Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.

Error! There was an error processing your request.

Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!

We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

If you're interested in advertising with us, fill out this form to get more information.