Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River has improved this past week. Fish are being caught below Salmon and up river to Deer Gulch. Water clarity has improved but is still cloudy at times. Water temperatures in the mid to high 30’s during the day. There was ice on the river in the Challis area this morning and will probably start seeing ice more often.  That said, mid-day temps are moving to the high 40’s to low 50’s, making it awesome fishing weather. Bright patterns have been the best while the sun is on the water with black, purple or blues in the shade. Copper, Green, Brass and Gold spoons have been working for the spin fisherman. Even though its cold in the morning, there have been a few fish caught when the sun first gets on the water. Water flows below the Yankee Fork just above Clayton is 388cfs and down river towards Salmon 1010cfs.

Trout fishing has been fair with Cutthroat and Rainbows taking streamers and stonefly nymphs. Try Pat’s Rubberlegs, Tung Nemic Stones, Conehead Bunny Muddlers, and Sculpinators.