The cooler weather the past few days has brought good numbers of blue wings out, other than that the same game plan applies.
The PMD’s are starting to fade out, but there are still enough of them around to make for a productive day of riffle fishing. Focus on emerger, cripple & transitional patterns & really concentrate on presenting the fly with a drag free drift. The Last Chance Cripple, Challenged Cripple & Q’s Stacker emerger patterns are all good bets to tie up fish during the PMD hatches. The time tested Lawson No Hackle will fool most picky fish in the flats & tail outs.
The caddis hatches are popping in full force & making for some stellar evening fishing. Start by swinging soft hackle & emerger patterns, but switch to high floating dries when the fish begin to feed on top. The fishing just before & after dark can be explosive. The E/C, A/C & Para Caddis patterns are great flies to match any of the Cadis emergences. Don’t be afraid to fish to fish caddis patterns during the heat of the day as well.
Terrestrial fishing is becoming the most important approach during the day now. Hoppers, ants, crickets & beetles are out in full force and the fish are taking advantage of their presence. Fish tight to the bank & put a little action on the fly to entice hard strikes. A hopper trailed by a small cinnamon or two tone ant is a deadly combo when pounding the bank. We’re also starting to see good numbers of mutant stones, so don’t forget to pick up some Chubby Chernobyl’s & Elden’s ants. Be sure to toss them big bugs up tight to the bank & give ‘em a little twitch.
Streamer fishing remains awesome early & late. Big gnarly articulated flies drive the big fish crazy. The unsettled weather the past few days has made for some absolutely awesome streamer fishing. Stop by the shop to see the latest & greatest “MEAT”.
We’ve also got some awesome deals going on here at SFO. All men’s & women’s summer clothing, including Cloudveil & Columbia is 30-50% off and there are awesome deals on equipment. St. Croix rods are moving out at cost, so if you’re in the market for a new rod, this is the time. We’ve also got some great deals on Dr. Slick products. Stop by and see us for some door smashing deals!
Come on up and enjoy a great day of fishing, then relax on the patio at the lodge with some fine dining, cocktails & wine.
The most convenient airport serving our area is Idaho Falls, located 45 miles southeast on Highway 26. Idaho Falls is served by Delta Airlines as well as Sky West and Horizon Airlines. Most of the major car rental agencies have offices in the Idaho Falls airport. After you arrive in Idaho Falls you can drive out of town on Highway 26 to our shop. The last community you will pass is Rire, Idaho. Our shop is located another 26 miles east of Rire right on the highway.
Jackson is a little further away than Idaho Falls but the drive over to our shop is absolutely gorgeous. Jackson is served by American Airlines as well as Sky West and United Express. Most of the major car rental agencies have offices in the airport. If you drive from Jackson, take State Highway 22 over the Teton Pass to Victor, Idaho. Once in Victor, turn left onto Highway 31 over Pine Creek Pass. Once you have reached the end on Highway 31 you will be in Swan Valley. Turn Right and travel southeast on Highway 26 for about 4 miles and we will be on the right, about 1 mile and 1/2 after the Springcreek Bridge.
Many anglers find that the best fares available are into Salt Lake City, Utah. Once in SLC they rent a car and drive to our area. SLC is a major hub for Delta and is served by several other major airlines. The drive from SLC is about 5 hours. Drive north on I-15 to Idaho Falls then Highway 26 to Swan Valley.