Salmon River Fishing Report

Fall is in the air, the leaves are changing  and the Steelhead have started to arrive.  That’s right, STEELHEAD! The mere mention of the word causes a a dedicated anglers hand to shake, brings fly tying vises out of summer storage, and puts trout rods into storage in favor of heavy gear and tackle capable of landing one of these beauties.  It’s been 6 months since we have been able to try hooking one of these awesome sea-run fish and the time has finally arrived.  So, head on up to Challis!

Fall fishing is going strong with a few more Steelhead being caught this week.  The water is in good form, with flows a little below average (about 80% of norm ). Swinging flies has been the most productive for the fly fisherman. You can try the old stand-by, the Green Butt Skunk and Freight Train, or just about any other dark Steelhead pattern. Fish are now being caught above North Fork and this should disperse the fisherman some, so you can spread your wings a little to fish.  Spoons and spinners should be productive for the spin fisherman. Start out with silver and blue and then copper.

Trout fishing has been good with the fish preparing for winter. Orange stimulators in sizes 12 and 14 have been working along with other attractor patterns such as Royal Wulffs and Trudes in 12 and 14. Standard Beadheads try Copper Johns, Prince Nymphs, and Stoneflies. If you streamer fish use Matukas, Woolhead and S-3  Sculpins, Muddlers Minnows and woollybuggers.

Pahsimeroi River

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

Brown or Black Woolly Buggers and Leech Patterns

Big Lost (tailwater)

Fish are feeding on Baetis and midges  along the seams or in a group below a riffle.  Duns, emergers and cripples in sizes 18-22, Parachute Adams in a size 20. and Renegades in size 18 or 20.  On a  cloudy day, expect more bugs on the water. Your nymph selection should include an assortment of Bead Prince Nymphs 14-18 , Copper Johns 14-20 ,Zebra Midges and Brassies in sizes 18-22. Also try casting a standard pheasant tail in a size 20 or 22 along the banks. Soft hackles also work just dead drifting. Wading is very easy now, so work along the river until you find some good fish.

UPPER LOST- COPPER BASIN

It’s going to be fairly tough fishing, but you can still pick some fish up in the deeper holes. Nymphing with bead head nymphs or small Renagades size 18 or Baetis in sizes 18-22 or Griffiths Gnat in a size 20 or 22.