3,480 cfs
61°F · Prime temp
Steady
13d ago
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.
Gauges
Live cameras
Salmon River at Salmon
USGS 13302500 · Oct 18, 2026, 5:00 PM
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.