Fishing Report - May 19, 2026

General Conditions

Summer is knocking on the door, and after a month of blown out rivers and closures, we're ready to get back at it. High water and closures have kept a lot of our local fisheries off limits, but that's about to change. The South Fork of the Boise River and Silver Creek both open Saturday, May 23, bringing some excellent hatch chasing opportunities back into the mix.

Boise River – In Town

The In Town stretch is running just over 1,700 CFS right now, and wading it is not worth the risk. We're not recommending it. That said, experienced rowers have been finding some decent action floating streamers and nymphs through the heavier water. If you do get out there, use your cautious judgement. The river hasn't been cleaned up for floating season yet, and there's debris moving through. For anyone set on wade fishing, your best bet is hunting down shallower side channels and back eddies you can reach from the bank.

Owyhee River

The Owyhee has been the standout fishery this spring, plain and simple. Warmer than normal temperatures have pushed summer hatches ahead of schedule, and the fish have been eating well because of it. We've also noticed a meaningful improvement in fish condition compared to last year. These fish look healthy. That said, please handle them carefully. No gloves, rubber net only, keep them in the water. If you need to upgrade your net, shop here.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, expect to see a mixture of Midges, BWOs, PMDs, Baetis, and some Callibaetis in the air, but don't count on a lot of risers during those windows just yet. Nymphing has been the most consistent approach throughout the bulk of the day. Where it gets exciting is the evening PMD spinner fall just as the sun drops below the horizon. That's when the dry fly game turns on. As temperatures continue to climb, expect more surface activity to creep into the mornings and afternoons.

Before or after your day on the water, swing by The Rock Store in Nyssa. They carry Oregon fishing licenses, have a great snack and drink selection, a full restaurant menu, and a bar. Show a recent Idaho Angler receipt (within one week of purchase) and you'll get a free beer if you're 21+, or free french fries, your choice.

Fly Selection:
#18-22 Split Case BWO, #16-18 Split Case PMD, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #18-20 Jig Angel Case PMD, San Juan Worms, #18-20 Tungsten Slim Shady, #16-20 Flashback Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Glass Bead Zebra Midge, #16-20 Rusty Spinner #14-16 DOB Caddis, #20-22 Hackle Stacker BWO, #18 CDC Thorax BWO, #18-20 Infrequent, #16-18 Extended Body PMD, #16 Short Wing Emerger PMD, #16-18 Hackle Stacker PMD

Silver Creek

All public sections open Saturday, May 23, and the Brown Drakes won't be far behind. The sections that have stayed open this spring have been fishing well for anglers willing to put in the time on technical water. PMDs are the dominant hatch right now and they're running a size or two bigger than what you'd see on the Owyhee or the In Town Boise. We've also been hearing solid reports of BWOs, Baetis, and terrestrials. Ants and beetles are worth keeping in the box.

Stock up on Brown Drakes now. Once that hatch fires, the flies will go fast.

Fly Selection:

#16 Posted PMD Hackle Spinner, #18 Stacked Hackle Callibaetis, #16-18 Last Chance Cripple Callibaetis, #14-16 CDC Callibaetis Spinner, #18-20 Captive Dun BWO, #20-22 Brooks Sprout Baetis, #16 Short Wing Emerger PMD, #20 Boroff's Foamie Homie Midge #8-10 Clear Wing Brown Drake, #10 Lawson's Brown Paradrake

South Fork Boise River

It's almost time. The South Fork opens Saturday, May 23, and we've been looking forward to this one. Early season water will be cold, so plan on spending most of your time nymphing. The fish will be stacked and eating subsurface before the hatches really get moving. BWOs, Baetis, some Caddis, and a mixed bag of PMDs will be the early season menu. Salmonflies are on the horizon and they'll show up faster than you think once things warm up.

Don't wait on the big dries. Even before the Salmonfly push, it's worth throwing a Chubby Chernobyl along the shallower bank water and riffles with a smaller, more imitative dropper underneath. It's a searching approach that keeps you covering water and matching whatever's happening on any given day.

Fly Selection:

#16-20 Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18 Olsen's Pheasant Tail, #18-20 Silver Duracell, #8-10 Knotty Hooker (Brown, Black, or Olive), #4 Godspeed Stone Brown, #16-18 Red Neck, #14-16 Yardley's Low Hole, #16-18 Rosa Red Tag Jig, #16-18 Rosa Orange, #18-20 Burkus Baetis Cripple, #16 Rusty Hackle Spinner, #18-20 Last Chance Cripple BWO, #18-20 Infrequent, #10-12 Royal Chubby Chernobyl, #8 Purple Chubby Chernobyl

Duck Valley

Duck Valley has been quietly fishing very well for those willing to make the run to the Nevada border. Leeches and Chironomids have been the two most consistent producers. Fish them under an indicator or strip them on a sinking line, both have been working. Billy Shaw has been the most consistent performer, though Mountain View and Sheep Creek have been solid on most days too. Wind has been the biggest wild card lately, so check the forecast before you commit to the drive.

Permits for Duck Valley are sold online only. Grab yours here.

Fly Selection:
Leeches, Damsel Fly Nymphs, Woolly Buggers, Balanced Leeches (various colors), Chironomids, Popcorn Beetles, Sheep Creek Special