Salmon River - Somes Bar - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Salmon River – Somes Bar - Water Flow Chart
Salmon River – Somes Bar - Weather report & radar
Salmon River – Somes Bar - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Morning – Noon | #16 – #20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16 – #18 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Midges | N/A | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days | #16 – #18 | Tiny Blue Winged Olive | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days | #16 – #18 | Tiny Blue Winged Olive |
| Caddisflies | Evening | #14 – #16 | Godshall’s Caddisfly | |
| May | Caddisflies | Evening | #14 – #16 | Godshall’s Caddisfly |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #6 – #8 | Salmonfly Nymph | |
| June | Stoneflies | Afternoon | #6 – #8 | Salmonfly Nymph |
| July | Hoppers | Morning – Evening | #10 – #12 | Dave’s Hopper |
| August | Hoppers | Morning – Evening | #10 – #12 | Dave’s Hopper |
| Terrestrials | All day | #12 – #16 | Beetle and Ant Patterns | |
| September | Terrestrials | All day | #12 – #16 | Beetle and Ant Patterns |
| Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days | #16 – #18 | Tiny Blue Winged Olive | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast days | #16 – #18 | Tiny Blue Winged Olive |
| Streamer patterns | All day | #6 – #8 | Wooly Bugger, Muddler Minnow | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Streamer patterns | All day | #6 – #8 | Wooly Bugger, Muddler Minnow | |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20 – #22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16 – #18 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Salmon River – Somes Bar Access Points
- Nordheimer Campground: This spot offers easy river access and plenty of parking. It’s a popular spot for casting a lure.
- Butler Flat: Another easy-to-reach fishing spot, Butler Flat provides ample river frontage and camping facilities.
- Klamath National Forest: Although access here can be tricky due to dense woods, the solitude and the chance to catch a big steelhead make it worth it.
- Ishi Pishi Falls: In the fall is the best chance to catch Chinook Salmon. Be prepared for a short trek to the river bank.
Salmon River – Somes Bar Fishing Spots
The Salmon River, Somes Bar is a haven for avid fishermen, offering numerous spots ideal for fly fishing. Some of the best spots include:
- Butler Creek: Known for its vast trout population, it’s a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
- Nordheimer Campground: This spot is rife with steelhead and salmon, making it ideal for a rich fishing experience.
- Island Campground: Located in the lower Salmon River, it is a delightful spot teeming with a variety of fish species.
The best time for fishing is during the Summer and Fall seasons when the fish are most active.
Remember, in all areas of the Salmon River, it’s important to adhere to catch and release principles to help sustain the fish population for future generations.
Salmon River – Somes Bar Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, they are among the largest species targeted by fly fishermen.
- Coho Salmon: These fish are slightly smaller than Chinook but are an excellent sporting fish.
- Steelhead Trout: They are a migratory form of Rainbow trout and provide an excellent fight when hooked.
- Rainbow Trout: Although smaller than Steelhead, they are native to the river and are considered top game fish.
- Chum Salmon: They are not as sought after as other salmon species, but their size and power make them a worthy challenge.
- Pink Salmon: Smallest of the Pacific Salmon species, they are an exciting catch on a fly rod due to their sheer numbers.
- Brown Trout: They had been introduced into the river, and they have thrived and are now a much sought-after target.
- Mountain Whitefish: They are native to the river and provide a fun challenge to fly anglers as they can be tricky to catch.
About the Salmon River – Somes Bar
The Salmon River – Somes Bar is not only a renowned natural wonder but also a crucial fixture in both indigenous and American history. This beautiful river in Northern California garnered its name from its abundance of salmon, particularly King Salmon, which are instrumental to the area’s ecosystem.
The Salmon River has a rich historical footprint, with the river’s basin playing an essential part in the California Gold Rush of the 1850s. This not only drew settlers from afar but also led to a population boom in nearby towns.
- Indigenous Presence: The area was originally inhabited by the Karuk tribe who relied on the river for sustenance, using its resources for thousands of years before the arrival of the settlers.
- Ecological Significance: The river plays a crucial role in the survival and propagation of indigenous salmon species, making it an area of significant environmental concern.
- Outdoor Activities: Today, the Salmon River – Somes Bar remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who indulge in activities like fishing, rafting, and camping.
Keeping these historical and ecological factors in mind, it’s no wonder that the Salmon River – Somes Bar is a gem of Northern California.
Community Contributions
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No updates submitted for this river.
