Still Waters
STILL WATERS
ReportSEP 16 — 23, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
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Water Temp
—
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Weather
34–75°F
Mostly Clear
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Cooling temperatures and shorter days are improving fishing on irrigation reservoirs across the region. Kokanee are running in Ririe Reservoir, and fish salvage regulations are in effect on several drained southern Idaho irrigation reservoirs.
From the ShopBruce Staples · September 16, 2026
With cooling weather and fewer daylight hours, fishing on irrigation reservoirs will improve. Midge pupa patterns under indicators will become very effective for action in shallower waters.
Kokanee are running in Ririe Reservoir. Use full sink or sink tip lines with brightly colored (fluorescent orange or pink) streamer and woolly bugger patterns to attract them.
Fish salvage regulations are being applied to a few southern Idaho irrigation reservoirs drained down to the extreme.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midge (Chironomid) | #18–22 | Active | Midday into afternoon |
| Midge Pupa (under indicator) | #20–24 | Very Effective | All day in shallower water |
| Kokanee — streamer/attractor | #6–14 | Running | Full water column, all day |
Best Time Window
- MIDDAY TO AFTERNOON: Fish midge pupa patterns under indicators in shallower reservoir water — cooling September temps make this increasingly productive throughout the day.
- ALL DAY: Target running Kokanee at Ririe Reservoir with full sink or sink tip lines and fluorescent orange or pink streamers, covering the full water column.
- EVENING: Watch for continued midge activity as temperatures drop; indicator rigs in the shallows can stay productive right into last light.
Guide's Tip
From the benchFor Kokanee at Ririe, Madison calls for full sink or sink tip lines with fluorescent orange or pink streamers and woolly bugger patterns — if you have a bright pink or orange woolly bugger in your box, that's your starting point. Check current fish salvage regulations before heading to southern Idaho irrigation reservoirs, as several are being drawn down and special rules apply.
Main Species
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
