General Conditions
Winter fishing conditions are beginning to settle into the Treasure Valley, bringing more cold, cloudy days. Cloud cover has consistently produced better fishing this fall, and we’re expecting stronger BWO and midge hatches as these patterns continue. Even with temperatures dropping, fish across our local rivers are still feeding heavily in preparation for winter.
Please remember that brown trout are still actively spawning. Use extreme caution when wading, especially in riffles, and be mindful of redds.
Whether you’re chasing steelhead or keeping it close to home, stop by Idaho Angler to talk flies, techniques, and strategies to make the most of your next day on the water.
Boise River – In Town
Flows are holding around 260 cfs, creating excellent wading conditions. While dry-fly action has been limited, nymphing remains very productive. Heavier anchor flies paired with small midges or BWO nymphs 1–2 feet behind have been the most consistent setup. Euro nymphing continues to produce well in faster slots and seams.
Streamer fishing is a solid option for anglers looking to cover water and target larger fish, and trout spey has been producing when swinging through runs—make sure you let the fly finish its swing.
If you’re still hunting for one of the stocked steelhead, focus on large stoneflies, bigger attractor nymphs (such as Copper Johns), or pegged beads.
Fly Selection:
#16–18 Purple Tungsten Jig Perdigon, #18–20 Tungsten Jig Chilli Pepper, #16–18 Rainbow Warrior, #16–18 Red Neck, #14–18 FB Pheasant Tail, #14–18 Hare's Ear, #12–18 Copper Johns, #12–14 Tungsten Skwala Stone, #16–18 Duracell, #16–18 Blowtorch, #18–22 Zebra Midges, #4–8 Sculpzilla
Owyhee River
The Owyhee has dropped to 30 cfs for winter, and we do not recommend fishing it at this time. Water clarity has remained poor, and brown trout are actively spawning. Giving this river a break right now is an important step in protecting the health of its brown trout population.
If you do choose to fish it, concentrate efforts in deeper holding water where fish are not trying to spawn. Expect tiny midges and BWOs on cloudy days for surface action. When the hatch is off, streamers can still be effective—vary your retrieve until you dial in what fish respond to.
Fly Selection:
#20–22 Zebra Midge, #20–22 Demon Midge, #20–22 Splitcase BWO, #18–20 Burkus Baetis Cripple, #20–22 Hackle Stacker BWO, #20–22 CDC Hanging Midge, #10 Olive Beadbelly Leech, Micro Dungeons
South Fork Boise River
Flows are fluctuating around 300 cfs. The canyon is cooling down quickly, but the fishing remains strong—especially on overcast days. Anglers have reported excellent BWO emerger activity for those looking to stay on top with dries.
Afternoons fish best as the water warms. Nymphing has been reliable using stoneflies, Blowtorches, Duracells, and small perdigons, always with a midge dropper. Streamer fishing with smaller sculpin patterns continues to pick up fish as well.
Use caution when accessing the canyon as snow begins to accumulate.
Fly Selection:
#14–16 Blowtorch, #16–18 Purple Tungsten Jig Perdigon, #16–18 Spanish Bullet, #6–8 Restless Stone, #6 Tungsten Bead Rubberleg Stone, #14 Rosa Red Tag, #12–14 Frenchie, #18–20 Burkus Baetis Cripple, #18–20 Last Chance Cripple BWO, #18–22 Griffith’s Gnat, #20–22 Brooks Sprout Baetis, #20–22 CDC Adult Midge
Snake River
The Snake is an underrated late–fall fishery. Cold weather doesn’t shut down the bass bite—fish concentrate in deeper holes and around submerged structure this time of year. Balanced leeches under an indicator or stripped streamers are both effective approaches. Weighted flies or sinking lines are recommended to get your presentation down to the fish.
Fly Selection:
#10–12 Balanced Leeches (Black/Brown), #10 Olive Beadbelly Leech, #8–10 Woolly Bugger, #8 Zonker Minnow (Yellow, Olive, White), #8 Sculpzilla (Olive, White, Natural), Galloup’s Sex Dungeon (Olive, Yellow, White)
Steelhead
Steelheading is in full swing on both the Salmon River and the Clearwater, with mixed but encouraging reports. Swinging traditional patterns continues to be the most productive method, and a few anglers are still moving fish on skaters.
Focus on water that looks "fishy"—structure, soft edges, tailouts, and any slot that could allow a steelhead to rest. Islands and inside bends often create ideal holding water. Cover water efficiently and with confidence.
Idaho Angler is fully stocked with rods, reels, lines, and flies to help you prepare for your next steelhead trip.
Stillwater
This is a prime window for stillwater anglers before lakes begin to freeze. Trout are cruising shallower ledges looking to put on weight. Stripping leeches or woolly buggers on a sinking line is highly effective, and indicator fishing with balanced leeches is another consistent approach.
If you’re gearing up for Pyramid Lake, stop by the shop for gear, reports, and expert advice.
Fly Selection:
Leeches, Woolly Buggers, Balanced Leeches (various colors), Chironomids, Popcorn Beetles
