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With local fisheries now closed or running high from runoff, it’s time to shift gears and explore some great alternatives! Stillwater season is one of my favorite times of the year. As the ice melts, trout are hungry, and warm-water species begin to wake up. There are plenty of lakes, ponds, and the Snake River within a day’s drive or for a weekend getaway! We have all the equipment you’ll need for your trip so stop by and get set up!
Fishing techniques for lakes can vary, but having an arsenal of full sink lines is key to success. Fish are always feeding, and finding the right depth can make the difference between a successful day or struggling to find fish. Scientific Angler’s Sonar Stillwater series offers everything from intermediate sink rates to the fastest sinks. Having a few extra spools for your reel can make swapping lines quick and efficient. If you’re not finding fish, don’t be afraid to change it up! Start by targeting coves, points, and drop-offs. As water temps warm, fish will often move into deeper waters, so having faster sink tips will help keep your flies in the right zone.
Some of my favorite stripping patterns are Simi Seal leeches, which come in black, olive, wine, and brown. Sizes #8 through #12 are my go-tos. Woolly Buggers and rabbit strip leeches are also excellent patterns for stripping. I like to run two leeches 16-20” apart off the sink tip. Remember, add 2-3 feet with a perfection loop of 1-3x off the tip.
If stripping doesn’t yield success, the next best option is to use an indicator rig with chironomids and balanced leeches. Chironomids are large midges, usually in sizes #10-14. When using indicator rigs on a lake, I typically start with a double balanced leech setup early in the day. As temps warm, I’ll look for chironomid hatches. If you see shucks floating, it means fish are eating them 1-2’ off the bottom! Adjusting your depth with chironomid fishing is extremely important. A little wind and chop on the water can really bring your leeches and chironomids to life! If you don’t have a fish finder, a simple method is to use a pair of forceps to clamp onto your bottom fly and lower it over the side of your boat. Once it reaches the bottom, lift it up about 12-16” and set your indicator. The Garmin Striker Cast is a great, affordable depth finder. I’d highly recommend grabbing one.
Duck Valley
One of the best trout stillwater systems is located at the Duck Valley Indian Reservation on the Idaho/Nevada border. It’s just over a two-hour drive from Boise. There are three great lakes to fish: Mountain View, Sheep Creek, and Billy Shaw. As April rolls in, all three lakes will start fishing really well! Be sure to check their website for specific regulations for each lake. You can also conveniently pick up your fishing licenses and camping permits online now.
Other Stillwater Fisheries
Magic Reservoir, Cascade Lake, and Horsethief are also great options that will be fishing well very soon. Be sure to check local reports to ensure the lakes are ice-free and ready to go. Don’t forget that the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) stocks many local ponds throughout the Treasure Valley, which can be a fun way to spend an afternoon if you’re looking for something quick and close by.
Bass Fishing
The Snake River is an excellent option for the next few months and into the summer, especially for chasing smallmouth bass, carp, and whatever else might bite. We focus our efforts from CJ Strike down through Adrian. Having a jet boat or drift boat/raft is crucial for covering this stretch effectively. There are numerous put-in/take-out points along the system, making it easy and fun to explore different sections. Be sure to check Idaho Fish & Game’s website for the latest information on access points and boat ramps. If you don’t have a boat, there are still plenty of wade fishing opportunities, particularly below Swan Falls Reservoir. We also offer guided trips on the Snake, so feel free to give us a call for more details on chasing warm-water species!
Fishing report updated by Mike Raymondi
Stop by or call our Boise Fly Shop at 208-939-6065 for up to date information on conditions and to inquire about our Fly Fishing Guided Trips!
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