General Conditions

It’s been an unusually warm winter, with temperatures well above historical averages for much of the season. That’s going to shape both our current fishing and what we see moving into spring.

With a lighter snowpack than recent years, we won’t have the same volume of runoff. Expect rivers to run generally lower than last season. On the flip side, hatches should arrive a bit earlier this spring. If you’ve got a hunch something might be happening — trust it. We’re already hearing reports of Skwalas starting to move around on our local tailwaters.

If you’re gearing up for early stonefly action, we’ve got a strong selection of Skwala dries and nymphs ready to go.

Boise River – In Town

Flows in town are holding around 260 CFS, which has fish concentrated in deeper holes and tailouts. When hatches start to pop, fish are sliding up into faster seams to feed.

Nymphing should still take up the bulk of your day. A heavier point fly — think larger beaded perdigons or small rubber legs — paired with a smaller, imitative dropper like a BWO or midge has been a solid approach. Fish are spread throughout much of the river right now, so don’t hesitate to move around and explore. If you’re willing to push a bit farther west in town, you’ll likely find less pressure.

Fly Selection:
#16–18 Purple Tungsten Jig Perdigon, #18–20 Tungsten Jig Chilli Pepper, #16–18 Rainbow Warrior, #16–18 Two Bit Hooker Purple, #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 #20-22 Tungsten Slim Shady BWO

Owyhee River

Flows remain low until early to mid-April, but fishing has started to improve. We’re not expecting the major reservoir washouts we saw last year, which should help protect and rebuild the bug life throughout the system. Last season’s flushes took a toll on the hatches — this year has the potential to rebound nicely.

Skwalas are present throughout the river. Focus on rocky banks and overhanging brush when targeting fish on dries. Even if you’re not seeing adults actively crawling, trout start keying in as soon as the hatch establishes itself.

Nymphing remains the most consistent producer. With lower flows, keep your flies small and imitative. And please continue to avoid wading through shallow riffles — those areas are critical this time of year.

A strong starting setup: a Skwala dry with a small midge dropper 12–24 inches below.

Streamer fishing is also worth mixing in. Target slower, deeper water and structure where fish have an easy ambush lane. Slow strips have been most productive, but don’t be afraid to vary your retrieve until fish show you what they want.

Fly Selection:
#12 Water Walker Skwala, #12 Rogue Skwala, #14 Dancin Ricky Skwala #20-22 Madeira Midge Black or Gray, #20–22 Zebra Midge, #20–22 Demon Midge, #20–22 Splitcase BWO, #20-22 Tungsten Slim Shady BWO, #18–20 Burkus Baetis Cripple, #20–22 Hackle Stacker BWO, #20–22 CDC Hanging Midge, #10 Rowley's Pitching Leech

South Fork Boise River

The South Fork is sitting just above 300 CFS. Reports have been mixed and largely weather-dependent. Overcast days have provided the most consistent dry fly opportunities, but with warmer-than-normal temperatures, we should start seeing more reliable hatch activity regardless of cloud cover.

Midges, Baetis, and BWO have offered the most consistent dry fly action, with Skwalas beginning to enter the mix.

Nymphing continues to be the most productive method overall. A heavier stonefly nymph paired with a smaller attractor — Pheasant Tail, Frenchie, Rainbow Warrior, Blow Torch, and similar patterns — has been a dependable approach.

Streamer fishing has produced some excellent days lately. Fish are feeding more aggressively and showing willingness to chase larger presentations. Sculpin patterns have been leading the charge. Cover water, stay mobile, and don’t get stuck working one run too long.

Fly Selection:
#10-12 Knotty Hooker, #14–16 Blowtorch, #20-22 Flashover Olive, #16–18 Purple Tungsten Jig Perdigon, #16–18 Spanish Bullet, #12-14 Tungsten Skwala Stone, #6–8 Restless Stone, #6 Tungsten Bead Rubberleg Stone, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #14 Rosa Red Tag, #12–14 Frenchie, #18–20 Burkus Baetis Cripple, #18–20 Last Chance Cripple BWO, #20–22 Brooks Sprout Baetis, #20–22 CDC Adult Midge

Steelhead

This time of year, it’s best to join the crowd and focus on the South Fork of the Clearwater. Flows are on the rise but the river continues to fish consistently.

Egg patterns, leeches, wooly buggers, and larger nymphs like stoneflies and rubber legs remain go-to options. Keep a close eye on flow changes and try to time your outings on the downside of any spikes. Fishing behind dropping water often produces your best windows.

If you’re headed to steelhead country, we’ve got everything you need to make it count.

Stillwater

Ice off has already begun in many of our lower lying lakes, many of which never even saw ice. This is an exciting time of year for stillwater fishermen because fish are in shallow and hanging around the shorelines. It is best to head out prepared with a variety of leech patterns, particularly balanced leeches if you aim to fish under an indicator. Shore fishing can be great in most lakes where steeper ledges are present. Chironomids are another great option if leeches don't seem to be getting it done. It is important to fish smaller sizes such as 14-16s. 

Fly Selection:
Leeches, Woolly Buggers, Balanced Leeches (various colors), Chironomids, Popcorn Beetles