Sun Valley Fishing Report - December 21, 2016
Cloud cover, snowy days and low pressure should add up to some really, really good winter fishing this week! With the recent cold spell, the fish were most likely shutting down, and saving energy. With the coming low pressure we can expect the fish to become active as the rivers begin to wake up with hatches and baitfish activity.
Silver Creek remains open to all catch and release fishing from the Highway 20 Bridge – downstream to the Picabo Bridge. This area has been seeing a lot of ice flows lately, but this could open up some this week, making for great Streamer activity.
The Big Wood River is a gem of a fishery in the winter time and the current weather conditions could prompt some of the first big Midge hatches of the season. This is especially true when the snow is falling. Nymphing is also going to be productive under the clouds.
Our favorite winter flies include Griffith’s Gnats and Tie-Down Midges on the surface. Coffies’s Sparkle Minnow for a streamer and your nymphs should include Copper Johns, Red or Black Zebra Nymphs and Prince Nymphs.
There are great opportunities to fish some farther away fisheries this week, as the weather should be mild enough for great fishing and travel shouldn’t be too tough, unless the snow predictions are higher than forecast. In any event you will find great fishing on the Lost River the South Fork of the Boise and the Big Wood below Magic Reservoir.
If you travel to fish, be sure you have the essentials like water, extra food, extra dry clothes, charged cell phone batteries, a full tank of gas and it’s always a good idea to travel with a sleeping bag and some extra blankets, no matter where you go in the winter! Most importantly – Tell someone where you are going, and go there! If you change your plan, tell someone!
If you are a waterfowl hunter, the migration is in full swing down here on Silver Creek. Despite subzero temps, a lot of ducks are still in the valley ad should be very active with the snow falling this week. Finally, if you are in town for the holidays and enjoy wing shooting, we still have days available for both guided Duck, Goose and Pheasant hunts! We also have a store full of last minute Christmas gifts for the hunter or angler in your family!
Happy Fishing Everyone!
