Still Waters
STILL WATERS
ReportSEP 30 — OCT 7, 2026
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Flow
—CFS
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Water Temp
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Weather
36–69°F
Sunny
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Reported By
Bruce Staples
On the water
Cooling air temperatures are clearing algae mats and receding subsurface weeds on southern Idaho's irrigation reservoirs, setting the stage for improving midge fishing across the region. Kokanee are actively running in Ririe Reservoir, offering a bonus opportunity for anglers willing to go deep with bright streamers.
From the ShopBruce Staples · September 30, 2026
Fishing on irrigation reservoirs will improve because of cooling waters. Blue-green algae mats and subsurface weeds on so many of the smaller still waters (i.e., Crystal Springs, Springfield Lake, Sand Creek Ponds) will recede because of cooler weather and less daylight. Midge pupa will be the primary pattern for success, but the taking depth anywhere must be found. Concentrate your efforts on shallower waters, even at wading depth.
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
Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22–24
#22–24
Olsen's Hare's Ear Blowtorch Barbless #20–28
#20–28
Black Zebra Midge (TBH) #20
#20
Coppertop Duracell #16–28
#16–28
Tungsten Dart Red #12
#12
Svend Diesel's Balanced Bou Leech – Bruised/Hot Orange Bead #14
#14
Balanced Leech – Bruised #10
#10
Egan's Frenchie Chironomid #10
#10
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midge (Chironomid) Pupa | #18–24 | Primary pattern; active throughout the water column | Midday into afternoon |
| Midge (Chironomid) Adult | #20–24 | Emerging as surface temps cool | Late morning to early afternoon |
| Kokanee Salmon (attractor/streamer) | #6–12 | Running in Ririe Reservoir; aggressive to bright patterns | All day on full sink or sink tip lines |
Best Time Window
- MIDDAY TO EARLY AFTERNOON: Prime window for midge pupa fishing on shallow irrigation reservoirs as surface temps peak and insects become active.
- ALL DAY AT RIRIE RESERVOIR: Kokanee are running now — get out early with a full sink or sink tip line and bright streamers before afternoon winds pick up.
- LATE AFTERNOON: Cooling air temperatures signal the end of the productive window on smaller still waters; wrap up before the 36°F overnight low shuts surface activity down.
Guide's Tip
From the benchFinding the taking depth is everything right now on still waters — start shallow and work your way down until you locate fish. For Kokanee at Ririe, Madison specifically calls for fluorescent orange or pink woolly buggers and streamers; if you're tying your own, those colors are non-negotiable. Check current regulations carefully on any southern Idaho irrigation reservoir before you fish, as fish salvage rules are in effect on several that are being drawn down.
Main Species
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
