Salmon River - Salmon - Idaho
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Salmon River – Salmon - Water Flow Chart
Salmon River – Salmon - Weather report & radar
Salmon River – Salmon - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midge | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| February | Midge | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Brassie |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Morning and Evening | #18-20 | BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger |
| April | Blue Winged Olive, Skwala stones | Morning, Evening | #10-12, #8-10 | Stimulator, Royal Wulff |
| May | Caddis, Salmonfly | Afternoon, Evening | #14-16, #6-8 | Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator |
| June | Golden Stone, Green Drake | Morning, Evening | #10-12, #8-10 | Golden Stone Nymph, Royal Wulff |
| July | Green Drake, Pale Morning Dun | Morning, Evening | #10-12, #16-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Hare’s Ear Nymph |
| August | Hoppers, Little Yellow Sallies | All Day | #10-12, #14-16 | Stimulator, Foam Caddis |
| September | Mahogany Dun, October Caddis | Afternoon, Evening | #14-16, #6-8 | Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis |
| October | Blue Winged Olive | Morning, Evening | #18-20 | BWO Parachute, BWO Emerger |
| November | Midge | Afternoon | #18-22 | Zebra Midge, Brassie |
| December | Midge | Afternoon | #18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
Salmon River – Salmon Access Points
The Salmon River is a favorite destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are some of the best access points:
- Pinehurst: Found near the town of Salmon. Known for excellent water clarity and abundance of trout.
- Shoup Bridge: A popular spot due to its easy accessibility. It’s situated near the highway with ample parking.
- Elk Bend: Offers a challenging yet rewarding fly fishing experience. Ideal for experienced anglers.
- North Fork: This location provides beautiful scenery and a quiet fishing environment.
- Carmen Bridge: Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching steelhead in addition to the common cutthroat and rainbow trout.
- Salmon City Ponds: Perfect for beginners, it offers a serene environment and good chances of catching rainbow trout.
Remember, always check local fisheries rules and regulations before fishing.
Salmon River – Salmon Fishing Spots
Fly fishing enthusiasts flock to Salmon River in Salmon, for the thriving population of fish and diverse ecosystems. Here are a few standout spots:
- Lower Salmon River: This area brims with Chinook Salmon, promising an exciting fishing adventure. Famous for rapid waters, make sure to be prepared!
- Upper Salmon River: This spot is abundant with wild steelhead and cutthroat trout, offering plenty of variety for anglers.
- Middle Fork of the Salmon River: Highly recognized as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream, it is rich in rainbow trout and Westslope cutthroat trout.
- Elk Creek: A tributary of the Salmon River, this serene spot offers great fishing away from the crowd.
- Stanley Lake: At the base of the Sawtooth Mountains, this place boasts of Mackinaw and Kokanee Salmon.
Salmon River – Salmon Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, they’re the most popular fish targeted by fly fishers in the Salmon River due to their size and aggressive nature.
- Coho Salmon: They aren’t as large as the Chinook but are popular due to their strong fighting nature when hooked.
- Sockeye Salmon: A unique challenge for fly fishers due to their small mouths and need for precise casting.
- Pink Salmon: Often underrated by fly fishers, but they offer a great opportunity for beginners due to their large numbers.
- Steelhead Trout: They are in the same family as Salmon and are highly sought after by fly fishers for their aggressive fights and aerial acrobatics.
- Rainbow Trout: A smaller species than the Steelhead, they are known for their beauty and offer an accessible target for all skill levels.
- Cutthroat Trout: Named for the red color under their jaw, they are a favorite among fly fishers for their willingness to rise to a dry fly.
- Atlantic Salmon: Though not native to the Salmon River, some do make their way into the system and offer a unique opportunity for fly fishers.
About the Salmon River – Salmon
Say hello to the Salmon River! Also known as ‘The River of No Return’, it’s one of the most preserved free-flowing rivers in the United States. This stunning destination stretches over 400 miles, all the way from the Sawtooth Range in central Idaho to the Snake River.
- 1820 – First named by North American fur trappers and traders.
- 1860’s – Became a hotspot during the Idaho gold rush.
- 1980 – Given the status of a ‘Wild and Scenic River’ by the U.S. Congress.
- Present day – Revered for pristine natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Famed for its rapids and trout fishing, the Salmon River is both a challenge for whitewater enthusiasts and a jewel for nature lovers. Steeped in history, teeming with wildlife, it’s a spectacle worth experiencing!
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