02-14-2009, 04:38 PM
If you're targeting the spawning Kokanee in early Fall then I agree that heading back towards Anderson Ranch is probably your best bet. At the same time, keep in mind that there are miles of river upstream from Featherville that are well worth the time it takes to investigate.
In the original post you mentioned Bull Trout. There's about a 3 or 4 mile stretch of the S. Fork of the Boise that is just upstream from Baumgartner campground has special regs, you can only keep 2 Rainbows over 14 inches. I did catch a few Bulls in that section of the river two summers ago. Usually the largest fish you'll catch in there are Whitefish. While it seems nearly impossible catch any keeper size Rainbows, there's usually lots of 8-12 inchers. I think the thing I like best about the S. Fork above Featherville in general is that it's incredible for wet wading. From about mid July on the water temperature is perfect for wading in shorts and sandals, it's gin clear plus the various holes in that special regs section of the river are very large and deep.
The IDF&G typically stocks the river heavily a few miles upstream from the special regs section, and it makes it pretty easy to catch as many stocker Rainbows as you care to from about mid July on. If you decide to head up that way next Summer, I recommend not overlooking fishing the river downstream from the confluence of the S. Fork of the Boise and Big Smoky Creek. There are several miles of great river for fishing with the standard fishing regs and there are also some very nice spots to camp in along that stretch.
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In the original post you mentioned Bull Trout. There's about a 3 or 4 mile stretch of the S. Fork of the Boise that is just upstream from Baumgartner campground has special regs, you can only keep 2 Rainbows over 14 inches. I did catch a few Bulls in that section of the river two summers ago. Usually the largest fish you'll catch in there are Whitefish. While it seems nearly impossible catch any keeper size Rainbows, there's usually lots of 8-12 inchers. I think the thing I like best about the S. Fork above Featherville in general is that it's incredible for wet wading. From about mid July on the water temperature is perfect for wading in shorts and sandals, it's gin clear plus the various holes in that special regs section of the river are very large and deep.
The IDF&G typically stocks the river heavily a few miles upstream from the special regs section, and it makes it pretty easy to catch as many stocker Rainbows as you care to from about mid July on. If you decide to head up that way next Summer, I recommend not overlooking fishing the river downstream from the confluence of the S. Fork of the Boise and Big Smoky Creek. There are several miles of great river for fishing with the standard fishing regs and there are also some very nice spots to camp in along that stretch.
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