First Report of 2021

Snake River

Variable temperatures over the past couple of weeks have shifted water the water you should target from time to time. With ice flow occurring some mornings, the best option is to target slow current back channels where buildup is minimal. Warmer overnight lows will lessen ice on the water, allowing anglers to target eddies and riffle pools.

Streamer fishing has been inconsistent but is best slow water at the edge of seams and recirculating eddies. Smaller patterns have been the most productive. Go with slow retrieves on floating and tips in the INT to 3ips range.

Dry flies – Griffith Gnats, CDC Wing Midges, Parachute Midges, and Ritt’s ARF Midge.

Nymphs – Lightening Bugs, Perdigons, Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa, Hala Girls in pink, Zebra Midges, and Ice Cream Cone Midges.

Streamers – Montana Intruders, Baby Clousers, Pine Squirrel Zonkers, Slump Busters, Woolley Buggers, and Rickards’ Seal Bugger.

South Fork

Midges continue to dominate the scene and will continue to do so for the next several weeks. Long, slow riffle pools are the prime target at the moment with backwaters along seam edges worth hitting as well. 11am to 4pm has been the sweet spot. The most consistent surface action is occurring from around noon until 3pm most days.

Streamer fishing has been best on the lower reaches from Wolf Eddy down to Lorenzo with seams and riffle margins being the most productive water. Use floating lines or sinking tips in the INT to 3ips range and slow retrieves with intermittent hesitations.

Dry flies – Renegades, CDC Wing Midges, Parachute Midges, Klinkhammers, and Chez’s Krystal Wing Midge Emerger.

Nymphs – Hares Ear Nymphs, Rubber Legged Soft Hackle Princes, Perdigons, Lightening Bugs, Zebra Midges, and Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa.

Streamers – Sculpzillas, Arum’s Lil’ Kims, Montana Intruders, Baby Clousers, and Slump Busters.