Boise Valley Fly Fishers - Silver Creek, ID

Since 1971

Silver Creek, ID

Silver Creek is a world-renowned fly fishing destination with fly anglers traveling from around the world to experience fishing this spring creek. For some anglers this is an annual pilgrimage, beginning in late May with the season opening, and a continuation on to other western US blue-ribbon waters in the "circuit" along the Fly Highway of US highway 20.

June is a good time to choose Silver Creek for stream anglers. In a typical or high precipitation year (when those occurred) many of the rivers are at high flow, and not in suitable condition to fish. Silver Creek as a spring creek, flows with relatively constant flows and water temperatures. However, it receives a lot of anglers, the fish are wary, and is a challenge. But it is always a great place to be.

Late May/early June brings a legendary Brown Drake hatch, which also brings a large contingent of anglers. It is combat fishing conditions, with a party atmosphere.

Silver Creek is near Ketchum and Sun Valley. Several other nearby fishing waters are within easy striking distance including:

Big Wood River
Magic Reservoir, and its outlet
Big Lost River (~ 1+ hr)
Mormon Reservoir

BVFF has frequently chosen Silver Creek for one of the monthly scheduled and hosted outings.

SILVER CREEK ACCESS POINTS

Much of Silver Creek is bordered by private land, and access is restricted. Idaho F&G has established access points at several locations.

Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is located at the upper end of Silver Creek and has provided access to anglers. Access is restricted to specific entry points, and you must register electronically when you arrive when fishing The NC. For a map and more information go to Nature Conservancy Silver Creek Preserve.

Kilpatrick Bridge (Kilpatrick Pond)
Highway 20 Bridge
F&G West Access (The Willows)
F&G East Access (Point of Rocks)
F&G Picabo Access

Floating Silver Creek is a great way to fish the creek. However, be aware that Idaho Fish & Game regulations REQUIRE that you use a float tube-- one that places you down in the water. Pontoon style kick boats do not meet this requirement. The creek is relatively shallow in most places, so when floating, wear wading boots, but not flippers.

The creek can be busy, so good etiquette and consideration to fellow anglers is always appreciated.

CAMPING & LODGING

Idaho Fish & Game maintains a campground at the Hayspur Fish Hatchery, just off highway 20—about 8 miles past the junction of Highway 20 and Highway 75 (North side). The camp ground is a large grass meadow with a few small trees (Beware: Russian Olive trees for those with allergies), and can accommodate tents, campers, or small trailers. There is water available, and vault toilets. It is first come, first served for space, and with no fee. Maximum stay is 10 days

For those with RV’s desiring hook-up services, the store in Picabo runs/manages an RV site, located across the road from the store in Picabo, and has a few rooms available.

17 RV sites w/ power and water $25/night
10% discount for Good Sam members
1 dump site
For reservations call 208.788.3536

There are also limited camping spots at Idaho Sportsman access points (Point of Rocks), East, and West.
Picabo Angler is located inside the Picabo store, and has a full line of fly fishing tackle. The store also serves food.

Picabo Angler has been an exhibitor at the Western Idaho FF Expo for several years.

Silver Creek Outing: Mouse Challenge 2021

The BVFF June outing at Silver Creek was thinly attended and with mixed fishing success. The water levels in the creek are low, due to the drought but still fishable, with acceptable temperatures. The weather was perfect, and the views incredible, as always.

CONGRATULATIONS to new BVFF member Chuck Brill who accepted the Mouse Challenge-- catching a trout using a mouse pattern fly. Mouse flies, tied by Picabo Angler guide Christian Reid, our June meeting presenter, were given to outing participants to use in their quest for catching trout on mouse fly during the outing.

Chuck successfully met the challenge by catching this brown trout at the Id F&G West Access to Silver Creek at about 11:00 PM.

Chuck is a recent new resident to Boise, with lots of experience as an angler, but new to fly fishing.

Member Bob Harder floating the S-Turns section of Silver Creek at the Nature Conservancy during the June 2021 outing

The Boise Valley Fly Fishermen, Inc is a non-profit corporation organized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, incorporated in the State of Idaho