General Fishing Report

September's here and we're starting to slide into some of the best fishing of the season. The kids are finally back where they should be this time of year and now it's your turn to kick back, relax and enjoy some quality time on the water.

We're beginning to see some significant changes around the valley. Flows are down for the remaining days of summer and the weather's been perfect. There's a little crisp in the air and the recent cool down is a welcome relief and steady reminder that fishing will only get better as we move further into autumn.

As flows drop to more manageable levels on the tailwater streams, look for fish to spread out into different types of water. They're not bucking the heavy current so they'll be a little less condensed along inside banks.

On places like the South Fork of the Boise, you'll want to find a couple things this time of year -- structure and obvious transitions. Structure, like exposed boulders and rock gardens, will provide some great holding water. Likewise, the obvious transitions will create concentrated food sources (i.e. foam lines on current seams).

You'll also want to look to the 'flat' water -- the long, slick glides found between faster riffles. Generally, there are troughs and depressions within the flats that create prime holding water. They won't look like much when things are quiet, but as soon as the bugs start popping, fish will light up throughout the run.

That said, fishing in lower, slower moving water can get a bit frustrating. Fish have a lot more time to examine your fly pattern and pick out inconsistencies.

We're getting into a time of year when it's absolutely necessary to 'manage' and 'adapt'. You'll need to tune your observation skills, be a little more efficient and accurate with casting, move a little slower in the run, and be prepared to not only match the hatch adequately, but also match the various stages of emergence within the hatch.

Fish are wary from summer pressure and this is the time of year when valuable lessons are learned on the water. If you want to be a more productive angler year round, hitting the rivers in September and October is a must.

However, if you're not ready for all that we've still got some great 'attractor' fishing on area freestones. Places like the Middle Fork of the Boise, Upper South Fork, and Middle Fork of the Salmon are in fantastic shape.

Conditions are perfect for late summer wading and fish are as opportunistic as ever. We still have about another month of great fishing in the high country so get out and enjoy it while you still can.

It's somewhat mindless fishing, but with endless options and opportunity it's tough to beat the solitude of a wilderness stream. Grab a box of your favorite day-glo attractor hair flies, pack a good lunch, and head out for the day. You won't be disappointed. I can guarantee you that!

Regardless of where you head out this holiday weekend, enjoy the weather and have a great week of fishing!

Trout Lie members, log into the site to view all of our detailed river reports, hatch info, and updated fly recommendations.

Featured Big Fish Photo

Here is your chance to post your big catch on the world wide web. We will feature photos sent to us for display here on our website for all to see. If you would like to have instant world wide fame, fortune, and be the envy of supermodels everywhere, feel free to send us your big fish photos.

This week's big fish pic comes from our friend Ed Marlatt with a little something different than what we're used to seeing - a hog of a Lahontan Cutthroat in nice little piece of stillwater. Great fish Ed. Thanks for sending!