Little Lost River
river in Idaho
The Little Lost River flows through a broad valley, providing diverse habitats from riffles to deep pools. It's known for strong hatches and requires a bit of exploration to find the best spots, but rewards with solitude and good fish.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
What's working on Little Lost River
- 01Typical fall conditions with comfortable air temperatures and clear skies.
- 02Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are either actively hatching or about to emerge.
- 03Midges remain a consistent food source as water temperatures cool.
- 04Trout are bulking up for winter, making baitfish and egg imitations highly effective.
- 05Focus on deeper runs, pools, and current seams with good cover.
- 06Start with subsurface nymphing, transition to dry flies/emergers as the day warms, and consider streamers for larger trout.
Past reports week by week
1 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent year-round food source, becoming increasingly important in cooling fall waters.
Buy at AmazonFlashback Pheasant Tail
A versatile nymph that imitates various aquatic insects active in the current, reliable for fall subsurface feeding.
Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger
Crucial for targeting fish feeding just below the surface on vulnerable emerging BWOs during fall hatches.
Iced Out Midge Pupa
When midge activity is strong subsurface, this weighted pupa pattern is effective for getting into the strike zone.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
A classic fall hatch for selective trout feeding on emerging and adult BWOs in slower, softer water.
Blood Dot Egg
Opportunistic feeders will key in on these protein-rich patterns during fall spawning season.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Olive)
Effective for aggressive trout looking for larger meals like leeches or baitfish as they bulk up for winter.
Where to fish and who to ask
BLM Camping Areas
Several dispersed camping and fishing access points available along the river.
Goldburg Access
Public access located near the small community of Goldburg.
Upper River Sections (Gilmore Summit)
More rugged, walk-in access to the upper reaches towards Gilmore Summit.
Get Little Lost River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Idaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Little Lost River.
What flies work best on Little Lost River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Little Lost River right now are Zebra Midge (80% confidence), Flashback Pheasant Tail (80% confidence), Travis Hi-Vis BWO Para Emerger (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Little Lost River?
Little Lost River holds Rainbow Trout, Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout, Brook Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Little Lost River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Little Lost River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.