Snake River

Cooler temps in the area compared to what we had through much of early December, yet still quite a bit above average.  Nonetheless, it is cold so bundle up. Nymphing is the name of the game.  There is some surface action on chironomids  the early and mid-afternoon hours. The best action has been in side channels in riffles and troughs.  Flats have some action in mid and late afternoon.  We are primarily using lightly weighted nymphs in the side channels due to the slower currents.  Chironomid and BWO larva imitations are fishing best.

Effective dry patterns – Griffith Gnats, Renegades, Mating Midges, Air-Flo Tricos, and Krystal Wing Midges.

Effective nymph patterns – Zebra Midges, Bionic Midges, Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa, Ice Cream Cone Midges, Hickey’s Auto Nymph, Booty’s Deep Stinker Nymph, Lightening Bugs, Psycho Princes, and Copper Johns in red or black.

South Fork

It has been around four degrees warmer on the South Fork than on the Snake, so a bit more comfortable fishing.  It is also a little more crowded.  Riffles, seams, and flats are the best pieces of water to target.  No need to go too light with you nymph rigs. As on the Snake, chironomid and BWO imitations are producing best.  The is some decent action on the surface with chironomid adults on the upper reach in Swan Valley.

Effective dry patterns – Griffith Gnats, Renegades, Mating Midges, Air-Flo Tricos, and Krystal Wing Midges.

Effective nymphs – Zebra Midges, Bionic Midges, Booty’s Day-2 Midge Pupa, Ice Cream Cone Midges, Hickey’s Auto Nymph, Lightening Bugs, Rainbow Warriors, Psycho Princes, Bruised Mays, and Copper Johns in red or black.