General Conditions
Fall has settled in, bringing improving fishing conditions across the state. Trout fishing in our local tailwaters (Boise River In-Town, South Fork Boise River, Owyhee River) continues to get better with cooler water temperatures and dropping flows. With Brown Trout spawning season approaching, please use caution when wading through shallow riffles and gravel bars, as this is where redds are forming. While fish are in the late pre-spawn stage, they’ll often key in on larger offerings such as streamers, crayfish, and leeches. Steelhead season is here to stay and we are ecstatic about the conditions that we are seeing this year!
Boise River – In Town
Flows remain just above 600 CFS, making this a great wading option. Cooler water has fish active throughout the day. Cloudy conditions are producing hatches of smaller Blue Winged Olives, Midges, and Caddis. Small to medium streamers are working well, and balanced leeches or crawfish patterns under an indicator are also proving to be productive. When stripping streamers, try fishing with an intermediate or fast-sinking polyleader if you’re using a floating line. As always, be mindful of Brown Trout redds this time of year.
Fly Selection: #20-22 Tungsten Split Case BWO, #14-20 Tungsten FB Pheasant Tail, #14-18 Hare’s Ear, #16-20 Copper John, #16-18 Rosa Red Tag, #16-18 Blowtorch, #18-22 Zebra Midge, #18-20 Olive Micro Perdigon, Sculpzilla #4, #6 Mini Dungeon (Olive, White, Natural), #6 Mud Bug
Owyhee River
Flows remain over 200 CFS but are expected to drop soon. Cloudy weather has helped conditions, but hatches remain light. Blue Winged Olives and midges are the most consistent bugs, with the occasional afternoon caddis providing dry-fly opportunities. For the most part, nymphing under an indicator or throwing streamers will be your best bet. On picky fish, try smaller terrestrials like ants or beetles.
Please continue to avoid wading through shallow gravel areas where redds may be present.
Fly Selection: #20-22 Zebra Midge, #20-22 Demon Midge, #20-22 Split Case BWO, #14-16 Galloup’s UV Caddis Pupa, #20-22 Hackle Stacker BWO, #16-18 Corn Fed Caddis, #18 Para Ant (Black/Red)
South Fork Boise River
The South Fork of the Boise River remains one of the most consistent fisheries right now. Flows around 300 CFS provide safe and productive wading. Caddis are still the primary hatch, with orange and brown elk hair patterns producing well, along with smaller dark-winged caddis. Blue Winged Olives and midges also appear between caddis hatches. When surface activity slows, nymphing remains very effective. Use stonefly nymphs to get down, followed by smaller imitative patterns like a caddis pupa or pheasant tail.
The river fishes best with 4X tippet for most nymphs, 5X for small dries, and 6X if you’re presenting size 20–22 patterns.
Fly Selection: #14-16 Blowtorch, #16-18 Spanish Bullet, #6-8 Restless Stone, #14 Rosa Red Tag, #12-14 Frenchie, #8-10 Elk Hair Caddis (Orange), #8-10 Burkus October Caddis, #14-16 Corn Fed Caddis, #18-20 Last Chance Cripple BWO
Silver Creek
Silver Creek continues to fish well this fall, with October Caddis and Mahogany Duns being the main food sources. Carry a variety of caddis patterns to match the hatch. If fish are selective, try ants or Griffith’s Gnats. As always, avoid targeting Brown Trout that are on redds or not actively feeding.
Fly Selection: #16-20 CDC Biot Dun Mahogany, #18-20 Biot Comparadun Mahogany, #16 King Splitsville Spinner, #14-16 Spent Ant (Black)
Snake River
Don’t overlook the Snake River for smallmouth bass this season! Streamers and balanced leeches fished in deeper holes with structure—rocks, overhanging brush, or ledges—have been very productive. This is one of the most exciting local fly-fishing options near Boise right now.
Fly Selection: #10-12 Balanced Leech (Black/Brown), #10 Beadbelly Leech (Olive), #8-10 Woolly Bugger, #8 Zonker Minnow (Yellow, Olive, White), #8 Sculpzilla (Olive, White, Natural), #4 Bass Poppers, #4 PJ Skater Popper, Galloup’s Sex Dungeon (Olive, Yellow, White)
Stillwater
Stillwater fishing is starting to shape up in the higher elevation lakes with the algae blooms wrapping up. Fish are beginning to show themselves in the upper half of the water column so now is a great time to find your favorite lake and target hungry trout that are cruising steep ledges and shallow flats for food. Lower level lakes are just beginning to turn over which will make water clarity poor which tends to negatively impact the fishing. We are only a few short weeks away from entering some of the most productive lake fishing of the year before ice begins to form. Grab a box full of balanced leeches and chironomids and enjoy one of the many lakes that Idaho has to offer!
Duck Valley: Fishing should soon be picking up at Duck Valley as temperatures drop. If you find yourself planning a trip to Duck Valley, licenses are now able to be purchased online, click here.
Pyramid Lake: Pyramid Lake is now open as of October 1 and we have the expert knowledge and products to get you fishing effectively for "The World's Largest Cutthroat Trout". Shop our curated selection of Pyramid Lake gear here. We are running a hosted trip to Pyramid Lake with Pyramid Fly Company on February 6th - 8th. For more info on this trip and to book, click here.
Steelhead
Steelhead season is now in full swing and we are excited about the numbers we have been seeing return over Bonneville Dam. We haven't seen a steelhead run like this in quite some time and this season promises to be an exciting one. We have Spey Rods in stock, don't let this incredible time of year pass you by. Visit the Idaho Angler for expertly tied steelhead flies, fly lines, spey reels, and more!
