Salmon River Fishing Report

Steelhead fishing is starting to pick up with an increased number of fish being caught below Salmon. Fishing between the North Fork  and Middle Fork had the better catch rates this past week ,below the Middle Fork had the second best fishing, followed by North fork to the Lemhi. We have not heard of any fish caught very far above Salmon. Flows at Salmon have been around 1080cfs, with water temperature 52 degrees. Swinging flies has been the most productive. Floating lines and sink tips are being used with equal success. Standard green Butt Skunks and hairwinged patterns are working. Some of the larger patterns also being fished are Bunny Leeches, the Hobo Spey.

If you are going for trout on the Salmon your best bet is with beadhead nymphs and streamers. Try drifting Prince nymphs, Copper Johns, and Stonefly patterns towards the bottom of the riffles and along the seams, or swinging Matukas, Muddlers, G’s Catchem-alls, S-3 Sculpins and Hat tricks in olive, brown or white. Spin fishing has been productive also with the larger spinners working best with silver or gold spoons.

Pahsimeroi River

It’s all little bugs now unless you want to strip woolybuggers. 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. Trolling spinners and bait has been very good at Mosquito Flats.

Big Lost (tailwater)

They have dropped the flows to 40 or 50cfs. Fishing is going to be tough with spooky fish. Small patterns are the call. Baetis patterns in sizes 20-22. Bead Head Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs 14-18 , Copper Johns 18-20 ,Zebra Midges and Brassies in sizes 18-22.

UPPER LOST- COPPER BASIN

Moving from hole to hole until you find the fish will be  required. Small  patterns in Beadhead Pheasant Tails, Zebra Midges and Copper Johns. Griffiths Gnats and other midge patterns for topwater.