Salmon River Fishing

This is definitely the best time of year to fish this river. Temperatures have cooled down and the fish are hungry. Renegades fished on the surface and then stripped back work excellent right now, as well as Stimulators in sizes 10-14. Hoppers are still active, so a good foam hopper pattern should produce some nice sized cutthroat. Large streamers stripped through the deeper holes will entice the big bull trout. Fishing a weighted Prince Nymph in a size 10-12 might just catch the interest of an early steelhead. Smaller spinners and Rapalas are working well, as well as drifted nightcrawlers.

Steelhead info-Creel counts began on September 30th in sections 14, 15, 16 and 17, from Salmon down to below the Middle Fork. From Lemhi River to Middle Fork, anglers reported 3 wild fish being released. So, there a some fish making their way up with more coming soon. A Little Eddy or a Hot Butt Stone

will let you know if there are any steelhead lurking in the hole. Fall is also the best time to be throwing Blue Fox spinners, as the fish tend to be more aggressive- I’ve actually had steelhead chase these down in the fall. Really, what is better than a trip down river in the fall to see the glorious colors and catch a steelhead?

Pahsimeroi River Fishing

Baetis patterns, cripples, Parachute Adams, Renegades (16-18) and Griffiths Gnats for fishing on top. Copper Johns and Prince nymphs for nymphing.

Bayhorse, Mosquito Flats, and Jimmy Smith Lake Fishing

Brown or Black Wooly Buggers and Leech Patterns

Big Lost (tailwater) Fishing

The main hatch right now are Beatis, and flows are low so look for fish feeding in seams or in a group below a riffle.    You can start nymphing late morning with hatches starting mid-day. Duns, emergers, and cripples in sizes 18-22, Parachute Adams in a size 20. and Renegades in size 18 or 20.  If it’s a cloudy day, expect lots more bugs.Your nymph selection should include an assortment of Bd Prince Nymphs(14-18), Copper Johns(14-20) Zebra Midges(18-22). Also try casting a standard pheasant tail in a size 20 or 22 along the banks. Soft hackles also work this time of year.

Big Lost (Copper Basin) Fishing

The upper Big Lost is starting to slow down, but mid-day fishing with standard nymphs, soft hackles, Renegades, Wulffs and Trudes should produce a few fish. If you can’t raise a fish on dries, try stripping a streamer on your way back down stream. If you are going to try the lower stretch along Trail Creek Road try fishing Baetis patterns also.