“The best is yet to come”. That means the bulk of the fish have yet to arrive. True, folks are picking up fish from time to time, but November will offer many more of the best run in years. With bigger numbers of fish coming in expect the arrival of many more anglers.
This year’s great run is just beginning. Give it a try before crowds of anglers arrive.
Looks like the best run of steelhead in years is on its way up the river. Already some folks have tales of success, but the best days lay ahead. Visit us for up to date information and to acquire the best equipment for encountering these great fish.
Water conditions from Stanley all the way downstream to the end of the road are very good. Because of the cool weather there has been no low runoff that has discolored the river. We have heard of fish caught as high as Clayton in the last few days but keep in mind most of the fish are still in the Canyon below Salmon and will begin their last push up river in a week or so. By the end of this month the Steelhead should be distributed throughout the entire upper Salmon.
When the weather does warm up there will be some murky water from Salmon down but it will clear after the low level snow melts and runs off.
We use many of the same patterns as in the Fall like the Green Butt Skunk, Purple Peril and Kaleidescope. Some good Spring patterns include egg sucking leeches, Golden Practitioners, and any large buggy spey styles.
With water temps in the high thirties, Deg. F. you have to fish DEEP.
It appears that there are more fish in the river this year than the same time last year. As we move through November waters are cooling, and fish are lying deeper in the river.
Water is beginning to cool into the lower 40s in Deg. F. This means present flies deep. They are arriving in good numbers, so expect some action before winter moves in and puts on a slowdown.
Big consideration is the weather. Through this weekend, pay attention to road reports before traveling to the Salmon or Clearwater rivers. Fish are coming in in good numbers in both rivers, and the best fishing lies ahead.