Copper Basin Outing August 20 – 23, 2026
This is a new outing for BVFF.
Fishing the Copper Basin offers a remote scenic wilderness experience with plentiful trout in tributaries of the Big Lost River accessible via rough Forest Service roads near Mackay or Ketchum.
North Fork of the Big Lost River:
https://youtu.be/xNwMIxxRWtQ?si=FHH1vSQESGk_mnIE
Main Big Lost River (off of Trail Creek Road between Mackay and Sun Valley):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Z4Xhi2tJ7o
High-altitude lakes can provide solitude and good fishing after “paying your dues”. See below:
Lake Creek Trailhead Lakes (Round, Rough, Big, Golden and Long Lakes) are round trip hikes from FS Road 138:
https://youtu.be/qDioPGPhf-0?si=-o5h3hlhDx4IZWLN
Iron Bog Lake is an initially step 3.8-mile round trip (estimated hiking time 2.5-3 hours) with 1,178 elevation gain from FS Road 137:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caAMKYVtpZ0
Kane Lake is a moderate hike of 7.2-mile round trip (estimated hiking time 4.5 hours) with 1,699 feet elevation gain:
https://youtu.be/DqpR_raaSdI?si=LZj36fvgalQkPrN8
NOTE: See all Trails or maps for trail lengths and descriptions.
The Fish:
Cutthroat, Rainbows, Brookies, and Whitefish
The Travel:
Copper Basin HQ for this outing is To Be Determined. Driving time from Boise is approximately 4 1/2 hours.
The Equipment and Flies: (Check with Ketchum fly shops for fly recommendations):
5 and 6 weight fly rods are appropriate for these waters with floating lines.
Nymphing patterns: Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymph, Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear, Copper John's, Kaufman Stoneflies, Golden Stones and Zebra Midges
Dry fly patterns: PMD, BWO, Adams, Caddis, Ants and Beetles
Never leave home without: Wooly Buggers and Hoppers
If you decide to join us On The Water With BVFF, register on this page.
Outing hosts: Steven Key and Greg Hawkins
Tight Lines,
Your Outings Committee
Liability Waiver
By registering, I affirm that I am voluntarily participating in the following event:
NAME: Copper Basin Outing
DATES: August 20-23, 2026
and I further acknowledge that I know and understand the inherent risks. I assume full responsibility for any and all sickness, injuries, or damages that may occur to me as a result of participating in the named event. By registering, I acknowledge that BVFF is not responsible for any illness or injury associated with my participation in the named event. And I further acknowledge that any photos taken during the event may be used by the organization.
