Snake River

Variable air temps over the past couple of weeks but there has been good surface action regardless if you target the right water.  Slow current side channels and recirculating eddies have been the most consistent, even when there is melting ice and slush flow in the water.  Just find the open water between slush and ice and be prepared to manage your line when either gets in the way.

Nymphs are working best in eddies and riffle pools tails, especially from around 11am until 3pm or so.  Slower water is best fished with three and a half to four feet of leader/tippet from suspension device to trailing flies (most of us have been going with a dry attractor as a suspension device).  Five to six feet of leader is better in deeper and faster runs.  Midge patterns are taking the cake, but attractor nymphs (particularly those that are soft hackled) are doing their fair share of the work.

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

Nymphs – Peach Fuzz Jigs, Duracells, Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa, Perdigons, Zebra Midges, Miracle Midges, and Cole’s Lite Brite Serendipities.

South Fork

Decent to good midge action continues on most reaches at the tail of riffle pools, in eddies, and on seams separating backwater side channels from main channel currents.  Larva/pupa patterns are working throughout much of the day.  Surface action can start early but some days but is most consistent from around 11am until 4pm, especially in riffle tails and in recirculating eddies where seams meet slow current back channels.  A little movement can help entice eats from time to time.

Streamers, particularly those that are moderately sized, are working well on the lower reaches from Byington down to Menan.  Target slow current side channels and seam and eddy current margins.  Go with slow to moderate retrieves and use floating lines or sinking tips in the INT to 3ips range.  Be prepared for short takes every now and then.  Noon to 3pm seems to be the consistent sweet spot.

Dry flies – Renegades, Griffith Gnats, Parachute Midges, CDC Midge Emergers, Chez’s Krystal Wing Midge Emerger, and Bubblehead Midges.

Nymphs – Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Copper Johns in red or Black, Perdigons, Zebra Midges, Ice Cream Cone Midges, and Serendipities.

Streamers – Arum’s Lil’ Kim, Krystal Buggers, Kreelux, Glade Minnows, Murphy’s Bling Minnow, Booty Call Minnows, and Kiwi Muddlers.