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Salmon River

August 15, 2026

Salmon River fishing report

Map, access and gauges for Salmon River

Past outlook · Aug 26–Sep 2

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

Flows are running below normal and expected to hold stable through early September. Water temps are sitting at 75 degrees, so plan early mornings and target cooler riffles to avoid thermal stress on fish. Hoppers, caddis, and Spruce moth patterns should produce, backed up by beaded nymphs. Mitigations are in place to protect spawning salmon—check current access and regulations before you go.

Read this outlook · All 6 outlooks

Flow

3,410 cfs ↓

Water Temp

75°F · Warm

Trend

Falling

Observed

7d ago

Hatch Status

Caddis size 16-18, moderate activity, prime time 6 PM - 8 PM

Conditions

The Salmon is running gin-clear and low, demanding stealth and precision on your approach and cast. Water temperature at 75°F signals stress, so consider fishing dawn, dusk, or cooler riffles to protect fish and improve success. Terrestrials dominate midday (11 AM–4 PM), PMDs show in the morning (9 AM–12 PM), caddis pick up in the evening (6–8 PM), and early morning (6–9 AM) brings sculpin activity. Fish are tight to cover during daylight; approach from downstream and stay low.

Gauges

Live cameras

Techniques

  • Use Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD #20
  • Use Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
  • Use Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
  • Use Parachute Adams - Blue Wing Olive #22
  • 6 PM - Dark: Evening caddis hatch fishing
  • Use Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14
  • 10 AM - 3 PM: Prime terrestrial window — hoppers and ants along grassy cutbanks and shaded seams
  • Use Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) in Tan or Olive #20
  • Use Bionic Hopper - Tan or Purple in #12
  • Use Joe's Mini Crayfish Jig #6
  • 6 AM - 9 AM: Pre-sun streamer and nymph fishing in deep holes and runs before fish go tight to cover
  • Use Bionic Ant 2.0 in Black #16 or Brown #12

Recommended flies

Bionic Hopper - Tan #12Bionic Hopper - Purple #12Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16Bionic Ant 2.0 - Brown #12Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Olive #20Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD #20Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6Joe's Mini Crayfish Jig #6Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14