Salmon River Steelhead

Salmon River 03-11-2009

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.

Salmon River Steelhead 11/21

With water temps in the high thirties, Deg. F. you have to fish DEEP.

Salmon River Steelhead 11/11

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.

Salmon River Steelhead 10/30

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.

Salmon River Steelhead 10/11

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.