The Heart Of Winter Is Upon Us In Snake River Country

Snake River

Eddies and ledge rock pools remain the best water to target with nymph rigs and dry flies.  The sweet spot has been in a tight window from between noon and 2 PM most days.  Midge imitations and soft hackle patterns have been effective below the surface with midge adult and midge cluster patterns working best on the surface and in noticeably faster and deeper currents (much of which is out of range for most casters).  There are times when a decent amount of action can occur in troughs and along banks with slow currents and moderate depths, but these waters should not be your focus).

South Fork

The most consistent fishing has been on both the upper reach in Swan Valley and on the lower reaches from Kelly’s Island down to Lorenzo, with 11:30 AM until around 3 PM being the sweet spot.  Midge patterns dominate the surface action in eddies, side channels with slow currents, and along seams. Riffles pools and the inside corner of riffle current margins can also produce later in the day (after 1 PM).  This water is a prime target with double/triple nymph rigs, which should be fished in the upper half of the water column for the most consistent production.  Takes can fairly subtle, so be prepared with soft, but immediate, hooksets.