Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River has improved the past couple of days even though the nighttime water temperatures have dropped to mid 30’s and daytime temperatures are only reaching up to the high 30’s. Water levels have dropped down to 2.1 ft compared to 2.4 ft yesterday (25th) and water clarity is good.

Fish are being caught throughout the system, but I think the better fishing is from town and going downriver to Salmon where fishing was good there yesterday also. There are still more fish moving up from below North Fork so fishing should start to be fairly consistent.

Swinging flies in the afternoon and evening has been  productive. Try Senyo’s A1 Intruder(copper or blue),and articulated leeches like Chain-Reaction Leech but nymphing has been the best way to go. For egg patterns  try the Psycho Spawn(in orange or pink), or Trout Beads. Stonefly patterns working best are the Hot Butt Stones and  Steelhead Hammers.

Copper, Blue, and Green has been the best color for spoons. Lots of success Friday with 3″black or black and chartreuse Mr. Twisters. Pink/white , orange/white , and other bright variations of 1/4oz jigs Aerojigs have also been working.  Berekley Gulp 3″Black Leaches will work great also. Roe and shrimp are still very productive.

Dustin caught this 25″ fat hatchery male below Deer Gulch on Thursday, March 24.

Corey caught this 33″ wild fish somewhere below Challis.

Salmon River Steelhead