Fish Bites: Aug. 1, 2024

Just in time for you to get ready for the weekend ahead, we here at ANGLERS Fly Shop bring you Fish Bites. Not another bloated, out-of-date fishing report, just a few of the most important, need-to-know updates on #BoiseAnglers favorite local fisheries.

Everything you need to know, nothing you don’t. Here we go:

Time to Expand

With this recent run of warm temperatures, the waters have really heated up and it’s time to check out all of those out-of-the-way, up-high fisheries. If we want easy access to lower altitude rivers to fish well in the fall, we need to take care of the fish now so give them a break and head up to those cooler systems, the South Fork above the dam, the Big Wood, try chasing the blue lines. Idaho Fish and Game reasons that it’s up to us as anglers to self-regulate when the time is right to take care of the fish. Let’s be sure to be good stewards and look out for what we care about most.

South Fork Boise River

PINKS! Pinks are going off and the fishing has been lights out! Still at summer flows of around 1200 CFS so a daunting wade, we suggest making friends with someone with a boat/raft. Come ask us about our favorite pattern #theonefly . Not to mention, below the dam is coldddddd so a great option with our recent run of weather.

Boise River In Town

It’s small-ball time! Tricos in the morning are the ticket. Go ahead and get up early and give them a break because the river in town is getting warm so be kind to the fish and fish early. The raft hatch goes off around 10 AM anyway so give em a break.

Owyhee River

Another fantastic option for cold water and responsible fishing. It’s time to start testing hoppers and if that’s not working, try small and deep. The usual suspects: maybe a small split-back PMD or zebra midges beneath, run a hopper up top.

High Mountain Lakes

It’s time! This is the time of year to beat the heat, break out the trail shoes, and hit your favorite high mountain lake. The fish generally aren’t picky so you don’t have to be either. Pack a lunch, make sure to stretch, and get up there!