Silver Creek Outfitters Blog

Film Festival will be on Friday, doors open at 5 pm. Felt Soul Media's "Eastern Rises" is finally out and we are lucky enough to be some of the first people to see it!

Eastern Rises | teaser from felt soul media on Vimeo.

The Fly Fishing Product Fair will be the following day from 10 am to 4 pm.

Come join us!

Go fish the Drakes!

2010-07-11T10:14:00.004-06:00

The Green Drake is the ticket right now and won't be around for much longer, get out there today!

"July 8th, 2010
Surface Frenzy

by Bryant Dunn
Synopsis

Over the past week, our local rivers have dropped significantly allowing for summer dry fly fishing to hit its stride. Locally, the Big Wood offers a veritable smorgasbord of mayflies, caddis and stoneflies while Silver Creek continues to fish well with Drakes and Callibaetis. The Upper Big Lost is coming on strong as the water levels drop while the Big Lost below Mackay Reservoir is at a more fishable level but still remains challenging for wading. The Salmon River is starting to come on as large stoneflies and an abundance of caddis and mayflies blanket the surface. The South Fork of the Boise is ripe with Salmonflies, caddis, mayflies and cicadas. In sum, dry fly fishing is at its most exciting and will remain so for the next few weeks in the Sun Valley area!" Click to continue reading

Marsh Creek and Bear Valley Creek Fishing

2010-07-03T12:54:00.007-06:00

With Silver Creek Outfitters you can now explore the amazing Stanley area and Salmon river. This river system is home to Chinook, Sockeye and Steelhead. Found in the Headwaters of the Middle Fork are an amazing race of wild Chinook salmon, pictured above. This female was found partially eaten by an animal, a sad sight but necessary part of a healthy ecosystem. Book a trip for this August or late July to fish for Westslope cutthroat and immerse yourself in the Frank Church/River of No Return Wilderness: Headwaters to the Middle Fork Fishing

Coming across a wild salmon in the Sawtooths is a moving experience and will forever change those who are lucky enough to find one. Take a look at the previous post to see what we are talking about.

Spectacular Sawtooth Salmon

2010-07-03T12:28:00.010-06:00

The few remaining wild pacific salmon that travel an astonishing distance to reach the headwaters of the Middle Fork are arguably the most important race of salmon in the world. No other species overcomes such distances and elevation challenges, in addition to 8 major dams. These fish are struggling and need our help NOW. Please find out more here: Save our Wild Salmon

Be sure to find out more about the economic advantages of removing the four lower Snake River dams: Revenue Stream

Catch Magazine Release

2010-07-01T21:18:00.004-06:00

Two reasons to check out the latest Catch Magazine: Green Drakes & Beer. Enough said...

Report Update

2010-07-01T21:05:00.004-06:00

Guide Bobby Foster and Guide Thatcher Marsted with an early summer bow

"June 30th, 2010

Summer Heats Up…

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

Due to a cold and wet spring, our local freestones are still flowing relatively high and fast for this time of the year. Luckily, as we head into July, our local waterways will continue to drop and clear and give us some of the best fly-fishing of the year. Look for the Big and Little Wood Rivers, Copper Basin and the Salmon to continue to drop while Silver Creek continues to fish well. Unfortunately, for the foreseeable future, the Big Lost remains too high to fish safely. Altogether, local fishing opportunities are on the brink of expanding and the fishing will start to heat up as summer arrives!" Click to finish reading the report."

June Fishing Report

2010-06-19T11:48:00.004-06:00

"June 16th, 2010

Settling into Summer

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

Although our freestones are still high and off color, the chocolate milk waters of the last two weeks is being replaced with clearer water and lower flows. The Big Wood is on the verge of being fishable while the Salmon and Big Lost Rivers have a way to go before they will be ready for angling. Silver Creek is fishing very well with the recent increase in temperature and the commencement of the evening Brown Drake activity. All in all, this summer is shaping up to be an exceptional fishing season!" Click for More

The Big Bug

2010-06-14T22:51:00.005-06:00

Brown Drakes on Silver Creek from Bobby F on Vimeo.

When conditions are just right the Brown Drake hatch on Silver Creek is a must see...and fish. The time is now, cross your fingers and head south!

1st Report of the Season

2010-05-31T15:29:00.003-06:00

"May 28th, 2010

Opening Day is Here!

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

After being closed for 59 days, general trout fishing will open on May 29th and it appears that most local rivers will be fishable. Silver Creek will be low and clear, while the local freestones should be manageable as they flow at relatively low to moderate levels. The South Fork of the Boise is pumping at nearly 1600 cfs which lends it to drift boating while the alpine streams are still being colored by high mountain snow run-off. The Salmon River just might be the sleeper of the week as it continues to drop toward a very fishable level. The weather forecast for opening week looks inclement, although Sunday and Monday do appear to be mostly sunny with a few clouds and warm temperatures. All in all, expect it to be a busy weekend on most waterways."

The Opener

2010-05-16T14:17:00.003-06:00

Opening day on the conservancy 2009

With opening day now less than two weeks away (May 29th) its time to start thinking about tippets, fly line, brown drake patterns and maybe even a new net . Silver Creek Outfitters is excited to begin the fishing season and looks forward to a great summer in 2010!

Summer 2010 Catalog

CATCH ELEVEN

2010-05-04T21:39:00.002-06:00

Browse through another great issue! CATCH #11

2010-04-19T13:03:00.001-06:00

Ouch!

2010-04-19T12:56:00.002-06:00

Silver Creek Outfitter's guide Pete Debaun holds a 34" Salmon River Steelhead caught by Terry Ring. The Salmon River steelhead run is expected to set a record this year.

2010-04-09T14:00:00.002-06:00

Silver Creek Outfitter's guide Julie Meissner holds a 33" Steelhead caugh by Don Rau on April 8, 2010. The cold weather has made the fishing more hit and miss the last week or so; however, the record run of fish hasn't discouraged many fishermen.

HERO SHOTS WANTED

2010-04-07T18:03:00.004-06:00

Best trophy shot of a 2010 Salmon River Steelhead wins a Silver Creek Outfitters $50 Gift Card! Winner announced via email first week of May. Photos will be posted on our Facebook page as we receive them! Silver Creek Outfitters on Facebook

Big Pete in Africa

2010-04-01T15:23:00.005-06:00

While some of us are still skiing on Baldy or chasing steelhead on the Salmon River, Silver Creek Outfitter's guide Pete Debaun is fishing the Nile River. Here is a snap shot of big Pete with Noah Hecht holding a nile perch. Wow!

Sawtooth Steelhead

2010-03-31T15:32:00.004-06:00

Harry Morgan with Silver Creek Outfitter's guide Julie Meisnner holding one of the Salmon River Steelhead he caught. The fishing has been quite good this year and should remain good for next three to four weeks.

The Sawtooths

2010-03-20T16:59:00.004-06:00

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Stanley, Idaho represent one of the most magnificent regions of the state. Watch this documentary from the Sawtooth Society and see what the SNRA has to offer: The SNRA

2010-03-16T21:28:00.002-06:00

Debbie says fishing behind Bryant is like fishing virgin water........

2010-03-14T21:27:00.001-06:00

15 minutes after the first one...

2010-03-14T21:26:00.003-06:00

Things are just beginning to get rolling in the Challis area. Deb caught a couple fish today. We are catching fish everyday now but not in big numbers. The fish Debby caught today were not holdovers, they were definitely fish on the run (about 5 miles south of Challis). Will keep you updated...

Bryant Dunn
Sun Valley Outfitters LLC

Sawtooth Fishing Guides

2010-03-12T14:26:00.006-07:00

Silver Creek Outfitters has acquired Sawtooth Fishing Guides, a Stanley based outfitter from Julie Meissner. Julie has been guiding fly fishing, white water rafting and backing trips in Idaho, Sawtooth National Recreation Area for over 25 years. She grew up in the mountains of Oregon, fishing and hiking in the summers and ski racing in the winters before moving to the Stanley in 1985. She is a Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor, an experienced river guide and loves teaching. Julie will continue to guide for Silver Creek Outfitters. We are proud to have her as a member of our team.

The Season

2010-03-10T18:56:00.005-07:00

Silver in the Sawtooths - The Epic Run of Rocky Mountain Steelhead

"In my opinion, there is no greater thrill than connecting with a Sawtooth Steelhead or the unequaled majesty that each of these fine fish represent."

~Bryant Dunn~

Full Steelhead Season Report

Felt Wading Boots

2010-03-10T18:23:00.005-07:00

SE Alaska is set to outlaw felt soled boots and waders. Is your state next?

Become more familiar with this issue and read: "The Science of Felt - A look at the science driving the move to eliminate the use of felt soled waders".

Fresh CATCH

2010-03-02T10:03:00.002-07:00

Just released, still fresh: Catch Magazine Issue #10

Beulah 13'2" 7wt Platinum Spey

2010-02-24T12:57:00.021-07:00

The new Platinum spey series from Beulah offers the two-handed angler an exceptionally well-made rod at a very acceptable price. These rods are extremely lightweight thanks to Beulah's "carbon scrim process", making casting very comfortable and nearly effortless. The Platinum spey rods excel at throwing modern skagit and scandinavian shooting heads due to their more traditional flex and amazingly "crisp" tip recovery. Matched with Beulah's Tonic and Elixir shooting heads the confusion of rod/line matching has simply been done away with. Silver Creek Outfitter guides recently put the Platinum 13'2" 7wt to work searching for winter steelhead on coastal rivers across the Pacific Northwest:

The 7wt Platinum is an ideal skagit casting spey rod. The rod loads deep and sends heavy flies strapped to sink tips with ease. Lined with the 485 Tonic head this rod takes well to 129 grain 15 foot RIO sink tips, or 9-13 foot sections of T-11 or even T-14. The 540 grain Tonic head is also an option for those who prefer a deeper load on their rod. In addition to performance, the Platinum rods are very attractive. The cork design is unique and of the highest quality, while the dark grey graphite of the rod evokes thoughts of cold winter steelhead streams.

Swing by Silver Creek Outfitters and take a look at our new Beulah Platinum spey rods, the perfect tool for any medium to large anadromous fish rivers in the Pacific Northwest.

Clips of the Beulah 13'2" 7wt Platinum and Beulah 13'6" 8/9 Classic on the Hoh river:

Reverse Snap T from Bobby F on Vimeo.

Skagit casting on the Hoh River from Bobby F on Vimeo.

Event: TU Meeting and Travel Presentation

2010-02-24T12:41:00.007-07:00

Hemingway Chapter of Trout Unlimited Monthly Meeting
"Fishing for Atlantic Salmon & Brown Trout on Russia's Kharlovka River"
Presented by Bob Knoebel : SCO Fly Fishing Guide and Professional Photographer
When: Tuesday March 2, 2010 5:00 -7:00 PM
Where: Roosevelt Grill, Ketchum ID
Meeting is free and open to all interested, please stop by!

Trout Unlimited info:
Ed Northen President, Hemingway TU
(208) 788-3618(949) 246-9372
aspottedog@cox.net

Fishing Report Update

2010-02-24T12:15:00.005-07:00

"February 8th, 2010

Winter Fishing: It’s Heating Up!

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

February has arrived and with it comes the potential for spectacular fishing. As the sun rises higher in the sky each day and the temperatures trend toward warmer daytime highs, fly-fishing will continue to improve well into March. For the coming weeks, midges will be the dry flies of choice; however, midge pupae patterns will be effective backups when the fish are not yet feeding on the surface. Silver Creek will continue to be a fun winter challenge as midge and streamer fishing will offer opportunities to catch large Rainbows and Browns." Visit the SCO website for the full report.

Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado from RA Beattie on Vimeo.

This awesome film by RA Beattie really shows how great winter midge fishing can be!

ZOO ZEALAND

2010-02-04T16:01:00.003-07:00

ZOO ZEALAND! from bryan huskey on Vimeo.

BIG...BROWN...TROUT. Another great one from Fishbite Media.

Featured last Sunday in the New York Times, New Zealand is a special place that all anglers should aspire to visit. You can find the article here: A Long Road to World-Class Fly Fishing in New Zealand

Tarpon in Margaritaville

2010-02-03T23:07:00.008-07:00

Saltwater fishing is probably on the mind of some anglers who have grown tired of frozen guides and size 22 midges by now. To indulge them we offer a great piece written by Mr. Jimmy Buffett, more than a singer/songwriter, he is an avid fly fisherman. From the 2004 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition: "Let us Prey"

Our Neighbor to the West

2010-01-19T19:06:00.003-07:00

Oregon Water from bryan huskey on Vimeo.

Another great flick from Bryan Huskey of Fishbite Media. Enjoy.

CATCH NINE

2010-01-05T14:13:00.003-07:00

Let this issue inspire you to get out and brave the winter fly fishing experience. Its worth it.

Issue #9

Winter Fishing Report

2010-01-01T17:23:00.005-07:00

"December 29th, 2009

Holiday Angling

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

The holiday season is upon us and it looks like we are entering an extended period of on and off wintery weather. In the short term, expect to see mostly cloudy skies and periods of snowfall. As a result, temperatures should be moderate, leading to more productive fishing and small emergences of Midges throughout our local systems. So bundle up in your winter weather clothing and take advantage of the open streams under our snowy skies." Read more here.

Yes, Idaho is AMAZING

2010-01-01T12:44:00.004-07:00

Written a few years ago, this New York Times article is a great piece on the wonders that may be found within the wilderness of the Gem State.

The Last Wilderness

The Goods

2009-12-19T13:51:00.005-07:00

Some great ideas for the Holidays

Catch Magazine Issue EIGHT

2009-11-03T11:46:00.003-07:00

Latest issue is still fresh, featuring work from Silver Creek guide Todd Kaplan. Take a look!
Be sure to also check out Todd's website:

http://toddkaplanphotographics.com/

Pebble Mine Updates

2009-11-03T11:16:00.003-07:00

There have been some encouraging developments lately in the battle to stop the proposed Pebble Mine project in Alaska. Tiffany and Co. is leading the jewelry industry in a boycott of Pebble Mine gold, while mine opponents have released an advisory to the investors of mining partner Anglo American. Articles can be found here: Tiffany and Co. Pebble Mine boycott, Anglo American Investor Advisory .

BC Steelhead Trip

2009-10-29T11:53:00.007-06:00

Take a look at recent Silver Creek Outfitters trip to the famed waters of British Columbia. BC Steelhead 2009

Go Steelhead Fishing!

2009-10-21T15:09:00.006-06:00

It is prime time to get out and go steelhead fishing and Silver Creek Outfitters has everything you need, including tips from our steelhead guru Dave Faltings, to search for chrome this fall! The Pacific Northwest is experiencing a steelhead season to remember with record fish numbers throughout the region and may provide you with your best chance at catching your first steelhead, or getting the monkey off your back from previous poor run years. We carry a full line of Sage and Beulah spey/switch rods, Hardy, Abel and Lamson spey reels, as well as Simms, Arc'teryx and Cloudveil outerwear to keep you warm out there. The Big Boy B-runs are calling your name from the Clearwater and the eastern Oregon rivers are chalk full of silver bullets!

Wounded Warrior Camps

2009-10-21T14:36:00.008-06:00

(AP Photo/Charlie Litchfield)

Silver Creek Outfitters recently finished our last week fishing with wounded Iraqi veterans through a program with Sun Valley Adaptive Sports. Throughout the course of summer 2009 Silver Creek Outfitters was honored to be involved in three "Wounded Warrior" camps, geared towards providing therapy through fly fishing. The camps were a life changing experience for everyone involved. Friends were made, stories were told and new fly fisherman were created. The Associated Press published a story on the camp which can be found here: "Veterans find healing on the water". Thank you to Sun Valley Adaptive Sports for involving us in your mission and for all the work you do to serve the wounded veterans of our country.

Yellowstone Cutthroat

2009-09-28T10:18:00.008-06:00

Take a look at a recent Silver Creek Outfitters guide/employee trip to Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone cutthroat trout found within this river system are extraordinarily beautiful and offer anglers incredible fishing. The trip requires a series of hikes if you wish to reach the "upper meadows", but with the extra effort one will be rewarded with a strain of pure, native Yellowstone cutthroat, isolated for centuries by a series of rapids and waterfalls. The water of Slough Creek resembles our local Silver Creek, slow and glassy, sight fishing is the name of the game and the slow takes of a 18 inch cutthroat are every dry fly fisherman's dream!

Fall Fishing Report

2009-09-28T10:15:00.000-06:00

"September 24th, 2009

September Sunshine and Excellent Angling

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

September continues to offer spectacular weather and excellent fishing. Currently, the Big Wood River is fishing very well as Tricos and Baetis make their concurrent appearance. Red Quills are also entering the picture as the sun warms the river system in the afternoons. Silver Creek is fishing nicely as the Callibaetis make their midday presence in significant numbers and the approach of the Mahogany Dun nears. The Big Lost River is on fire with an abundance of Tricos bouncing in the mornings and larger terrestrials present in the afternoons. The South Fork of the Boise is now flowing at 300cfs which lends itself to productive walk and wade angling. The Salmon River continues to fish exceedingly well with terrestrial/dropper rigs and double nymph setups. If fishing is your top autumn priority, now is the time to take advantage of the fine fishing before winter moves in and slows the productivity significantly." Read more.

Catch Magazine release

2009-09-07T09:49:00.005-06:00

Another phenomenal issue of Catch Magazine is here! Be sure to find the Middle Fork of the Salmon footage...

Steelhead are Running!

2009-08-29T13:38:00.003-06:00

kind of a big deal from ryan peterson on Vimeo.

Taking a steelhead on the dry is the dream of many fly fishers, and watching this footage only amplifies that desire. Ryan Peterson's filming on the North Umpqua is incredible and will get any steelheader's heart racing. Record numbers of steelhead are ascending the Columbia and its tributaries, get out there and put in your time, this year could be your year!

The Fall

2009-08-29T13:14:00.010-06:00

Big browns, golden cottonwood stands, crisp mountain air, bugling elk, hungry rainbows, and did I say big brown trout? Fall is nearly upon us and so is some of the best fishing of the year. With healthy water levels and very mild temperatures this summer, our rivers are prime for incredible fishing through the fall months. If you haven't fished with us in the fall before there is no better time than now to book a trip for a great new angling experience. Give us a call: 800.732.5687 or 208.726.5282. Photos by John McLaughlin

Late August Fishing Report

2009-08-29T12:55:00.002-06:00

"August 20th, 2009

The Calm Before the Fall

by Bryant Dunn

Synopsis

As we head toward September, the regional fishing continues to be very good. Caddis and a variety of mayflies are present on the Big Wood in relatively strong numbers, the Trico spinner fall and associated insect activity highlights the action on Silver Creek and the Big Lost River level has continued to drop. Those who travel “over the hill” are finding fantastic fishing up in the alpine and the high mountain lakes, which remain as great respites from the sometimes crowded waters of the meandering river basins. All in all, it is an excellent time to be fly fishing in the central Rockies." Finish reading the report here.

Beulah and Scott Rods

2009-08-04T17:43:00.005-06:00

Silver Creek Outfitters is proud to add Beulah and Scott fly rods to our shop inventory this summer. Beulah spey and switch rods are some of the more beautiful and well designed two-hand rods on the market, while still being affordable. Scott fly rods offer a unique style and premium quality that have attracted many dedicated anglers. Come by and take a test drive today.

Fishing Report Update

2009-08-04T17:37:00.002-06:00

"July 29th, 2009

Opportunity Awaits…

by Silver Creek Outfitters

Synopsis

With cooler than normal temperatures expected for the next week, valley anglers can expect to see fishing conditions improve on most of the local waterways. Tricos and Pink Alberts are in full swing and grasshoppers are very abundant this summer due to the tall streamside vegetation. Another byproduct of a wet spring is an abundant mosquito population, so wherever you go angling… make sure you’re protected." Fishing Report 7/29/09

Weekly Fishing Report 7/17

2009-07-19T16:32:00.002-06:00

"July 17th, 2009

The Heat Is On

by Silver Creek Outfitters

Synopsis

With the majority of our rivers on fire right now, the toughest decision awaiting valley anglers is where to go have a great day of fishing. The valley temperatures are expected to rise over the next few days so expect the optimal fishing to move towards the mornings and evenings." Read more here.

Fishbite Media presents: "The Creek"

2009-07-13T15:53:00.004-06:00

THE CREEK from bryan huskey on Vimeo.

Watch Guide Pete Wood work his magic on Silver Creek in Bryan Huskey's video clip "The Creek". Check out more sweet videos from Bryan Huskey on Vimeo or at http://fishbitemedia.com/

Take a look at our Flickr account!

2009-07-07T15:59:00.007-06:00

Throughout the summer we will be uploading pictures from guide trips, store events and our own fishing adventures to Flickr. This way anyone and everyone can SEE the great fishing going on in the Sun Valley area. Check em out!

Weekly Fishing Report Update

2009-07-07T15:55:00.003-06:00

"July 6th, 2009

Trout Rodeo

by Silver Creek Outfitters

Synopsis

With warmer temperature and less precipitation it is starting to look like most of our rivers are shaping up just in time for the big weekend. Freestone streams like the upper Big Lost and the Big Wood are just days away from safe fishing levels." Find out more here.

Check out Catch Magazine!

2009-07-02T10:29:00.003-06:00

Found only online, Catch Magazine is an amazing fly fishing photo and film journal. Take some time and look through the photos and videos, they give you a serious itch to hit the water ASAP.

New Weekly Fishing Report Available

2009-07-02T10:23:00.002-06:00

Check out the latest fishing report for our area:

"June 29th, 2009

Sunny Days

by Silver Creek Outfitters

Synopsis

For now, the rain has passed. The forecast calls for sun and mild weather for the foreseeable future and, as a result, most of our freestone streams should drop and clear. The recent change in weather has had some unpredictable effects on the local hatches. Last night, a few lucky anglers were able to catch a great Brown Drake hatch on Silver Creek! This is about three weeks late… but we’ve had a very unusual June, so we’ll take it." Read more here...

Brush up on your knots

2009-06-30T12:52:00.004-06:00

Take a look at this great site and practice your knots for the upcoming season, because it is already here! http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html

.....you don't want your blood knot to fail you when you are hooked up with a brown like this one, caught by Guide Brian Richter.

Start fishing the Big Wood!

2009-06-29T09:44:00.004-06:00

This great weather we have been having, and should have been having weeks ago, has allowed the Big Wood river to finally start dropping. And while the fishing is picking up, the flows are not back to their summer averages in the area quite yet so be cautious. Keep an eye out for Green Drakes too!

Welcome to the Silver Creek Outfitters Blog!

2009-06-23T00:01:00.006-06:00

Sunny summertime weather is finally here and it's time to get out and go fishing! Beginning this summer Silver Creek Outfitters will be keeping our guests up to date with all the daily happenings at the store and on the rivers through our first ever blog. Hopefully we can provide those who aren't currently casting a line in our local waters with a refreshing, daily fly fishing break...just a little something to hold you over until you can come back!