For decades the shimmering waters of Silver Creek have beckoned fly-fishermen from around the world. This stream was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorite fishing spots…and it has captured the hearts of scores of other anglers as well.

It is an angler's oasis in the midst of the sagebrush and farmland of southern Idaho. A series of springs gives these waters constancy in all seasons. The stable water temperature and large numbers of aquatic insects create a haven for rainbows and brown trout. And in Silver Creek the fish rapidly grow to trophy sizes.

Recognizing it's unique value the Nature Conservancy purchased and now manages the headwaters of the creek. They've worked with local ranchers and farmers to create a wonderful conservation corridor where anglers can wade and fish in a gorgeous setting.

Most of Silver Creek is designated as a fly-fishing only stream with catch and release restrictions in effect on many of the prime sections. So when you come to this top quality destination you'll almost certainly see plenty of big rainbows, but catching them is a different story. Most of the fish in Silver Creek have seen a lot of flies and are very selective. In fact, angling here is such a challenge some fishermen team up with local guides like Lisa Lesher, hoping to increase their chances of success.

Lisa Lesher-Fishing guide
"It's a difficult stream to fish I suppose because there's so much natural food. And for them to be enticed to come up and break the surfaces of the water and take an artificial fly is really something that exposes them to danger and their instinct tells them that so you have to be all the more convincing."