Sun Valley Spring Fishing
April is almost behind us and so are the winter months. While many of our local watersheds including the Big Wood River & Silver Creek are closed until May 24th (May 24th of this year is opening day of fishing in Idaho), we have an incredibly productive tailwater fishery in the Lower Big Lost River which stays open year-round. The water levels on the Lower Big Lost River this time of year are usually somewhere just under 100 cfs which makes the river more like a spring creek with clear water, small riffles and small bugs too. While the heavy spring hatches of Baetis & Midges are over, there are still plenty of bugs to make dry fly fishing your primary game. Come prepared with #18 - #22 Baetis imitations and #18- #24 midge patterns. Droppers like zebra midges, pheasant tails & #18 & #20 Copper John's should do the trick prior to the dry fly activity which has been taking place sometime after 1pm. Bring 5x and 6x leader/tippet. The water levels should remain low and fishable through much of May. When in doubt you can check the water flow for the Lower Big Lost River HERE.
The spawning on the Lower Lost River is just about finished for the year but please still be mindful of the abundant spawning redds. This is really a great time of year to be on the Lower Lost as there are generally no crowds, easy wading and generally exceptional fishing.
A young Picabo Angler guest on the Lower Big Lost River. Late April, 2014.