The Boulder River is now at a level that floating is truly a personal choice--getting a boat down it now is a challenge. Only expert boaters should still consider floating the river at these flows or any flow. This isn’t a big fish river but it is fun river to cast attractor dry flies. Wading is now a very viable way to fish the Boulder River right now. The Boulder is low and gin clear. Water temps are still good since it drains the highest mountains in the state but expect spooky trout. There are a lot of trout in skinny water in tail outs but when the go on the feed they also move into the shallow riffles. The hopper action is improving down low and there are still green drakes up high along with morning spruce moths. Wading isn't easy on this mountain freestone river--the name Boulder doesn't come because this is a slow moving, grassy meadow stream. These flows are conducive to both wading and floating if you are an experienced rower. We are seeing some plenty of caddis, PMDs, and a few remaining stoneflies. A Pat's rubberlegs, 20 incher, or mega prince in combination with a duracell, prince, blowtorch, or lil' spanker is a great rig to start with. Dry fly fishing has been good with surface activity increasing in by mid morning. Chubby Chernobyl, Stimulators, and attractor dries are all a great option to get some trout looking up.
Best Flies for the Boulder
20 incher #6-10
Duracell #14-18
Prince #12-16
Blowtorch #14-18
Lil' Spanker #12-18
Chubby Chernobyl (Purple, Yellow, Tan) #6-14
Stimulator #8-16
Foam Run Caddis #12-16
Baby Gonga (Olive) #4-8
Mini Dungeon (Olive, Natural, Tan) #4-8
The Month Ahead:
The Boulder should fish well into August with nice cold water temps keeping trout happy. The clear water and low conditions produce spooky trout some making the right cast is always important.
Long Term Fishing Forecast:
The Boulder River is a nice option in August and September. In October some browns move up from the Yellowstone to add some big fish to the mix.