Pee-Ka-Boo is a Native American word meaning "Shining Waters."
Picabo Angler is a destination: A full-service fly shop & outfitter located on the banks of world-renowned Silver Creek
Silver Creek, looking downstream toward Picabo. March 20, 2017
...still rising...!
Silver Creek, looking downstream at Point of Rocks (Silver Creek West)
Johnny Cash wants to know...How high is the water Momma? 5 feet high and rising?
Our family first started spending time in Idaho when my parents purchased a sheep ranch in the Sun Valley area when I was five years old. Originally from San Francisco, we didn’t fit in right away; for me, that started to change after we moved into one of the cabins on the Double R and made daily appearances at the “Picabo Store,” as we used to call it. The Purdy family was exceedingly kind and welcoming as we began to grow new roots here, and Silver Creek became the focal point for the happiest memories made during that time in my life.
Fast forwarding to last summer, I decided to take a year off amidst my college career to intern for The Orvis Company in Manchester, VT, in the fall and to work for my parents’ business this spring. I had no set plans for the summer months before heading back to school, though, so when John Huber asked me back in January if I would be interested in working for the Picabo Angler this summer I was beyond thrilled. Although I tried to keep my expectations low because I really had no idea what to expect, I was genuinely excited to be able to work for John in the store that had meant so much to me as a kid.
When I drove home after my first day of work in May, I knew I had absolutely nothing to worry about. There have been no shortages of laughter, stories, or new friends over the past few months, and seeing many of the folks I’ve known since I was a youngster has been wonderful. Fun isn’t usually a word that comes to mind when talking about work, but I have had the time of my life.
I’m sure it sounds sappy, but I feel like I’ve come full circle in some sense; in regard to fly fishing, I learned much of what I know now from spending time on the creek those many years ago with an Orvis Clearwater rod. As a client landed a Silver Creek rainbow on the Double R during my first guide trip on the creek this summer, I felt blessed to be able to help someone else fish in the exact same spot that my love for the sport began.
Thank you to all of the people who came into the store this summer and made my experience so memorable.
See you next year!
Phoebe
The Good Samaritan
Having worked the past two months at Picabo Angler I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting some wonderful people. As a young college kid it was nerve racking starting here because I knew that people would come in with questions that I would not be able to understand and I did not want to upset someone for not being able to answer. As expected a few times I have been unable to answer a question yet instead of them becoming upset they instead taught me. While I have learned a lot from my bosses (and I have many), and from being out fishing as much as I can. I have learned the most from the kind people that come in and share their knowledge. Not only have I learned about fishing from these people but I have also learned things about life.
For example, this weekend a gentlemen came into the shop from a morning of fishing. I could clearly tell it had not been the best day from the look on his face and the beer in his hand. After asking how he was doing I learned he had been trying to avoid some bulls and fell into the river ruining his phone before he could even put out a cast. He was unsure if he wanted to go out again after such a rough morning...
In came a father of two small children. He had just purchased two spin rods for his kids and wanted to teach them how to fish, even though he had no idea how to fish himself. A fly rod was put into my hands from a young age instead of a spin rod, so I knew very little about rigging a rod with a bobber and weight. In came the previous gentlemen, who offered to help him rig up. Not only did he help the father rig up but he also gave him some pointers to on what to do. This man could have minded his own business and just of gone on with his day. Yet instead he chose to help a dad teach the joys of fishing to his children, even though he was having a bad day.
After he helped the dad he decided to go out and go fish. This man was completely self-less and have help to a stranger in need. In the process not only did he help and teach the dad, but me as well. He reminded me that fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It is about going out and being at one with nature and spreading the joy of fishing to others. People like that make me proud to be a part of the fly-fishing community and remind me why I love fishing.
So I would just like to thank everyone that has come in and been so kind and patient with me. I can’t wait to see you next time you stop in!
Nathan Nelson
If you listen closely you will hear the sounds of zippers being pulled closed on wader bags, float tubes being aired up, click and pawl drags being tested, and the sound of fly boxes being snapped shut. Opening Day is upon us Idaho!
Silver Creek is the place to be this weekend as recent rains have blessed this special body of water with a nice cleansing and levels high enough to spread the fish throughout the system. Partly cloudy conditions coupled with warmish temperatures spells great mayfly activity. Expect Baetis and P.M.D.s to take center stage, but also be aware the Callibaetis has been very strong here on warm days. No matter what, be sure to have Beetle and Ant patterns!
The Brown Drake is still a week or more away and will most likely appear once we return to a weather pattern of warm sunny days and temperate nights. Keep an eye on the forecast, or do it the fun way and just show up at Picabo Bridge every evening after the weekend and wait for the first big night!
The Big Wood may fish a little on the weekend, it really depends on the rain and how hard it is coming down. The clarity seems to be changing day to day, and although the flows aren’t huge, there are probably better places to be for now.
The Lost River is fishable as of now, but again, there are a lot of variables here, both above and below the Mackay Dam. Keep an eye on the CFS below the dam, if it doesn’t jump to high you may find some o.k. fishing. The upper Lost will fish depending on the clarity.
The Little Wood River will have some fishing above and below the Little Wood Reservoir Dam. Think big Stone and Salmon Flies.
The South Fork of the Boise is also worth a look, but this river is generally better the later we get into June.
All in all, Opening Day presents a few challenges to finding the best fishing. Pay close attention to the details like CFS and Weather before you decide where to be. You can count on Silver Creek fishing, and of course Picabo Angler and the Nature Conservancy will hosting our annual Opening Day parties, so no matter whether you fish or not on the opener, come on down to Picabo and enjoy a wonderful day with friends and all your brothers and sisters of the fly!
Happy Fishing Everyone!
February is the last month to get on Silver Creek before the spring closure. The Creek is open to Catch and Release fishing downstream from the Hwy 20 Bridge. The weather predictions for the week include mostly cloudy days in the South Valley, which should make for excellent fishing through the week and weekend. The clouds and subsequent low pressure should also make for excellent fishing on the Big Wood, Big Lost and the South Fork of the Boise.
The biggest fish in Silver Creek are far more active with cloud cover and a bit of tint to the water. These conditions allow the bigger fish to come out from under the banks and ice shelves with a little less fear of attack from above. The fishing continues to mainly be streamer fishing, with non-weighted flies. Try different stripping techniques until you hook up, and then stick with that one!
The Big Wood should also fish very well with cloud cover. February is a fun month on the Wood as dry fly fishing, nymph fishing, and streamer fishing are all effective ways to catch fish. Despite the variety of techniques, anglers don’t need a huge variety of flies. Griffiths Gants and Tie-Down Midges are great dry flies, Zebra Nymphs and Brassies are excellent nymph patterns, and for streamer try olive woolly buggers.
The Big Lost should also be on an angler’s radar this week. The same flies you would use on the Big Wood should be plenty effective on the Lost as well. You may want to also focus on a few more weighted nymphs like Price Nymphs and Hares Ears if the sun happens to pop out. There are plenty of deep buckets on the Lost and being able to prospect the bottoms of these in the dead of winter can often produce your biggest Lost River Rainbows of the season!
The South Fork of the Boise is also a great place to go under cloudy skies, although it can be infinitely less predictable and more fickle… but, when it turns on the fishing here can be as good as it gets anywhere in the West.
If you are looking for a great winter fishing experience, don’t hesitate to hire a guide. Most full time guides are sitting by the phone in the winter, dying to show guests how great the winter fishing can be. Winter rates are also very affordable and here in Picabo we even throw in private access to water rarely fished!
Happy Fishing Everyone!
Excellent winter fishing weather is upon us. Low pressure, some cloud cover, and days above the freezing mark means happy fish and happy anglers. We are still a bit early for the major midge hatches of winter but excellent Nymphing and Streamer days are here.
Anglers that want to fish the Nature Conservancy portion of Silver Creek have until the end of the week/month to get their licks in. Streamer fishing should be very good as the Brown Trout population has come off the spawn with a need to fatten up quickly before the long months of winter set in. If you can’t make it this week don’t fret, as Silver Creek downstream of Hwy 20 remains open to catch and release fishing through the end of February.
If you decide to fish the Creek with Streamers, use non-weighted flies and fish them just under the surface. Watch for the wake and the boil of water on the surface when the fish takes the Streamer. It is a very visual and very fun way to catch fish on the Creek throughout the winter.
Anglers looking at our freestone streams like the Big Wood, Little Wood and Upper Lost should be fishing standard nymphs in large sizes. Prince Nymph, Hares Ears and Girdle Bugs are great choices. Fishing them in tandem is also a great idea. Use a size 10 as a lead fly and then trail a size 18 or smaller midge pattern behind the lead fly. About a foot and half is all that you need for the trailer. Make sure your indicator is able to float both flies and then cover some water!
With the ski season starting this week, expect very few anglers out on our local rivers. If you decide to fish the Lost River and are driving through Arco, don’t forget to stop and see us at Picabo Angler. We’ll put the right flies in your hand, and if you need a Latte, Breakfast or a box lunch we can help with that also. Anglers fishing the Creek can stop in for a hot lunch here at the shop and don’t forget roast chicken Fridays!
Chukar and Duck hunting has been excellent near Picabo this season. The waterfowl population is way up and the early snow has moved the Chukar down the ridge lines. These conditions are great for hunters and yet another reason to come see us in Picabo!
Happy Fishing and Hunting Everyone!
#10 Breakfast at Picabo Angler is really good and the closer one eats to the Silver Creek the better Everything tastes!
#9 The Trico spinner fall has begun and the fish are in pods eating them!
#8 The Picabo Flee Market / Garage Sale is this Saturday!
#7 It’s always 10 degrees warmer here than up in the Valley!
#6 From Picabo you can fish Silver Creek, the Little Wood, and the Big Wood all in the same day!
#5 Lunch in Picabo means the best Burgers and Pulled Pork in Idaho!
#4 Wildlife Viewing; Moose, Deer, Elk, Beaver, Otter, Waterfowl, Insects, Birds of Prey, Wildflowers…
#3 Fly Fishing, Birding, Painting, Photography, Canoeing, Hiking, Picnicking!
#2 Brown Trout on Mouse Flies!
#1 Sunrise and Sunset!
Picabo Angler Nick Anderson with a Mouse caught Brown 2 nights ago.
There is plenty of change happening out there today and it’s all good for anglers! Silver Creek is continuing to percolate and the flows have increased enough to cover a lot of the mud bars and shallow zones. This trend should continue, although slowly, it is at least heading in the right direction.
The South Fork of the Boise is also seeing change this week, as the waters are brought up from the dam we will get our first real look at how last year’s fires have affected the floating. If you go, take nothing for granted, and if you float scout the river by car first! Expect Salmon Flies, Cicadas and Caddis.
The Big Wood continues to drop slowly and clear up a little. The flows are still strong, but our guess is that we are a week to 10 days from great Green Drake action on the river.
The Upper Lost also continues to drop and anglers looking for quietude may find a few places to cast a line, but we’re far from seeing the first - best fishing up here this season.
The Lower Lost remains high and only fishable in a handful of high water spots.
It’s a time of change with a lot of fisheries just opening up for the first casts of the season. Get out there and enjoy it!