South Fork of the Boise Report
Owyhee River Report
Silver Creek Report
Boise River (Town) Report
Big Wood River Report
Middle Fork of the Boise Report
Upper South Fork of the Boise Report
Middle Fork of the Salmon Report
Area Steelhead Report
Area Stillwater Report
Resources
River Conditions
The fishing's been decent on the South Fork of the Boise as of late. Even with the snow dump, temperatures are mild and the water's in good shape (clear and flowing at 300 CFS).
The primary issue right now is access. I'm not certain of the plowing schedule but I know the folks in Elmore County are pretty good about clearing roads in a timely manner.
That said, be sure to check the area driving conditions before making the trip down into the canyon. It can get a little squirrely this time of year. Snow followed by rain, followed by freezing night time temperatures can cause 'steering' problems -- not to mention the rocks coming down onto the road as they unfreeze.
Midges are popping through the heat of the day but surface activity has been a little hit or miss. Translation: you may have to move around to find heads up working. Your prime top water opportunities are going to be between noon and about 4:00 pm. Dredge the seams before and after.
Water temps are bouncing at about 40 - 42 degrees so you should be able to find fish working in the slower moving water. Be sure to check the nooks and crannies and cover the water tight up against the edges.
Winter fishing can be great along rock walls, in the boulder gardens, along inside current seams where the foam concentrates and out on the slower, deeper flats. The key is to pay attention to the 'dimples' -- those slow and lazy, methodical Midge rises that are easy to overlook.
Likewise, the longer, lighter leaders are an absolute must -- I generally go with a 12 - 15 foot 5 or 6X and go lighter if conditions warrant. Keep your drag in check by adding a bit of length to your tippet, stack your cast out to reduce tension, and approach fish from the right angles (keeping your shadow out of their line of sight).
If all else fails, park in a riffle and tickle whitefish. Nymphing will generally produce -- especially in these balmy mid-40 spring-like conditions. Use an indicator big enough to (1) see, and (2) big enough to float a rig with split shot. Get your bugs 'ticking' along the bottom. If you're not hanging up every now and then, you're not fishing the right depth. Remember the Rule of Opposites and work seams thoroughly.
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