Snake River

Fairly consistent valley temps over the past week with high in the mid-20s to mid-30s. This is midging weather for the most part and that is what’s working in a variety of water types. Much of the action has been in the tail of riffle pools and seams, but there has also been activity at the head of inside turns and at the head of riffles. The few flats that are on the Snake this time of year have also had some action – particularly with dry flies – for about one to two hours in mid-afternoon.

Nymphing is where most of the production is. When fishing slow currents in riffle pools and seams, use lightly weighted rigs that incorporate glass beads as opposed to tungsten or other metals. This will keep your flies from sinking too fast in this slower water. Takes are subtle.

Dry flies – Furimsky BDE’s, Pheasant Tail Emergers, Halo Emergers, Air-Flo Tricos, and Mating Midges.

Nymphs – Booty’s Deep Stinker Nymphs, Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa, Zebra Midges, Ice Cream Cone Midges, and Rojo Midges.

South Fork

Daytime highs have been in the upper 20s to upper 30s over the past week or so. Fishing on the South Fork has been most productive on the upper reach in Swan Valley and on the lower reaches from Kelly’s Island down to Lorenzo Bridge. There is decent production on midge adult and larva/pupa imitations in riffles, seams, and flats. Dry fly action is best during the afternoon hours from about 1pm to 4pm. You will see rises primarily in the lower half of riffle pools and on flats. Current margins at the head of riffles also have some activity on the surface, but you will get a lot more production with nymphs, as you will in most water types, throughout the day.

Dry flies – Griffith Gnats, Sanchez’s Krystal Wing Midge Emerger, RS-2s, Air-Flo Tricos, Renegades, and Mating Midges.

Nymphs – Biot Bugs, Zug Bugs, Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Booty’s Deep Stinker Nymph, Zebra Midges, Brassies, Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa, Zebra Midges, and Ice Cream Cone Midges.