Submitted by TRR Outfitters on
Owyhee River
Flows are holding at 213cfs which is a little higher than normal for this time of the year but totally fishable and wadable. With these higher flows and cold water, the fishing has been hit or miss. But as Hank Patterson said, being at the right place at the right time, and being there first can be the difference. Nymphing has been the most consistent technique as of late. The usual selection of zebra midges in black, red, and brown have been working, as well as having a good selection of tailwater specific baetis patterns. The hatches of Blue Wing Olives are still happening depending on where you’re at on the river. Having small emergers and duns in size 18-20 have been picking fish up. There have been decent Caddis hatches in the afternoon/evening so if you plan on staying later in the day, have a good selection of those as well. Some PMD’s have been spotted so expect the river to turn on as we head later into May and into the summer as those browns sure love PMD’s!
Duck Valley (Mtn. View, Billy Shaw, Sheep Creek res)
Now is the time to maximize on the stillwater game as most rivers are high and or closed. All of our staff have made trips down to the duck recently and all three reservoirs have been fishing well. The stripping game with sink tips and leeches and your other favorite stillwater patterns have been producing some nice fish. As we head into May expect the stripping to slow down and or be better in the morning hours and evenings. If your having trouble picking fish up mid day. The chironomid combo under an Indicator has been producing if you’re willing to stare at a bobber. Best sizes for chironomids have been (10-14) in black, Red, and brown variations. With this technique finding the right depth is the difference in catching fish so start shallow and if you’re not picking fish up, increase depth. If you’re not able to go deep enough, the slip lock indicators are needed to fish depths of 9 feet or more. Using a 9ft 3x leader, and using 4x fluoro to your chironomids will be sufficient for these fish.
Boise River – In Town
The Boise River is running at 6,660 cfs and will likely remain at this flow through May and into June. We caution to stay away from the river until flows subside and wading becomes safe. Once run off is all said and done, we expect the Boise River to fish well through the summer and into the fall and will update fishing conditions as the flows recede.
South Fork of the Boise River Tailwater
Anderson Ranch Tail Water:
The South Fork is closed and will open May 25th. Flows will most likely be higher than what we prefer which is around 1,600cfs. There is still a lot of snowpack left in the Upper Boise Drainage and with the increase in temps that will start to melt and keep those flows high. That being said, the river is still fishable at flows under 3,000cfs but use caution and know your routes when fishing these higher flows. For opener, expect to see caddis as the dominant hatch and also keep in mind that there will still be Redds from the Rainbow spawn so please let those fish be.
Stop by or call our Boise Fly Shop for up to date information on where to fish and what to use. (208) 939-6065
Boise River Fish & Game Regulations
Boise River - In Town @ Glenwood Bridge
South Fork of the Boise @ Anderson Ranch Dam
Owyhee River below the Dam
Owyhee River near Rome, OR
The post Boise Area Fly Fishing Report for May 2019 appeared first on TRR Outfitters.
