Salmon River Fishing Report: Current Conditions

Past outlook · Sep 30–Oct 7

This outlook’s window has closed. It is the most recent one we have for this water.

The Salmon River looks set up well for the week ahead, with normal flows holding stable around 3,660 cfs and water temperatures in the prime low 60s. Expect clear skies early in the week transitioning to overcast conditions, with cool mornings and mild afternoons. Fish are taking dries, nymphs, and streamers in runs with varied depth and structure, particularly around the Stanley area where both stocked and wild trout plus whitefish are present. Caddis and hoppers should draw interest, along with rubber-legged stones and small streamers.

Flow

3,480 cfs

Water Temp

61°F · Prime temp

Trend

Steady

Observed

13d ago

Hatch Status

Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) hatch 18-22 size with moderate activity, prime time 11 AM - 2 PM.

Conditions

The Salmon River is running clear and fishable in early October with flows holding stable. As of October 5, flows were 3,480 cfs at White Bird, higher than the early-month gauge reading, so adjust your seam positioning and expect conditions to continue rising. Midges are heaviest in early morning (7-10 AM), followed by Blue-Winged Olives from mid-morning into early afternoon. Focus on cooler hours since afternoon warmth will push better dry-fly action to evening. Fish have seen pressure, so dead-drifts and light tippets will serve you better than aggressive presentations.

Migration

Counts through Sat, Oct 17 · yesterday

Lower Granite is the last dam below Idaho. Fish counted there are headed for the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon systems. Fish bound for the Salmon River continue up the Snake and turn in below Riggins.

Steelhead: the run is tapering off, 25,959 so far.Well below typical
Spring chinook: over for the year, 28,119 passed Lower Granite against a typical 37,000.Season over
Summer chinook: over for the year, 7,941 passed Lower Granite against a typical 8,900.Season over
Sockeye: over for the year, 221 passed Lower Granite against a typical 730.Season over

Chinook: expected at the South Fork Salmon at the Guard Station around July 12, between July 5 and July 16; first confirmed May 9.
Steelhead: expected at the South Fork Salmon at the Guard Station around April 6, between March 25 and April 14; first confirmed September 23.

Counts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via Columbia River DART.

Gauges

Live cameras

Salmon River at Salmon

USGS 13302500 · Oct 18, 2026, 11:00 AM

Every 60 min · 247

Techniques

Prime BWO hatch window 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, watch flat water for rising fish and match with #22 parachute or emerger.
Early midge and nymph bite in slow pools and glassy tailouts before the sun hits the water from 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM.

Recommended flies

Parachute Blue Wing Olive #22Juju Baetis Tungsten #22Top Secret Baetis #16Black Zebra Midge #20Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22-24Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig Olive #12Olsen's Straggle Stone Brown Barbless #12Corn-fed Caddis CDC Tan #20Egan's GTI Caddis Olive #12Slush Egg Apricot #14Egan's Frenchie #12Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6

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