Salmon Region Fishing Information

Weekly Fishing Report

Updated: June 18, 2009

This report highlights a few of the best places to fish, what anglers are using and what they are catching. The information is compiled from regional Fish and Game fishery managers, local tackle shops and anglers.

View the Salmon Region
July Fish Stocking Schedule
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Regional rivers and streams are still running high in most areas. Anglers are advised to use caution when fishing in these conditions. While the main Salmon River was beginning to clear, recent rain runoff has caused the water to turn muddy in some parts of the region.

The big fishing news in the region is a season on chinook salmon that opens June 20. Anglers have three posted stretches of the Upper Salmon River to fish for salmon. These include:

From the cable car crossing at the USGS flow gauging station approximately 150 yards downstream of Island Park in the City of Salmon to the posted boundary at the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River.
From the posted boundary at the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River to the posted boundary at the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River.
From the mouth of the East Fork Salmon River upstream to 100 yards below the Sawtooth Hatchery weir.

Salmon fishing hours are 5 a.m. - 10 p.m. Only hatchery chinook salmon 24 inches or greater in length may be kept. No jacks may be kept. The daily limit is 2 salmon with a possession limit of six salmon.

Some of the lower elevation mountain lakes are now accessible. Bayhorse Lake is open and has been fishing quite well recently. Anglers have been having good luck with Panther Martins. Fly fishermen report good catch rates on attractor patterns. Mosquito Flats outside of Challis was recently stocked. For access information for mountain lakes contact the U.S. Forest Service office nearest your destination.

Don't forget to check with the tackle shop nearest your fishing destination for bait, tackle, additional fishing tips and information on local fishing waters.

Check out our Family Fishing Waters section with family-oriented fishing opportunities and simplified rules.
Anglers must have a valid 2009 license and are reminded to check the fishing rules brochure for any restrictions and limits.

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Fish Stocking Information | Find a stream or plan a fishing trip using our Fishing Planner

General Regional Information - Spring 2009

With spring steelhead season over, thoughts are turning to the fishing opener on May 23 and a whole summer's worth of fishing. So, what is the overall outlook for the Salmon Region?

Lemhi and Pahsimeroi Rivers:
For the second consecutive year river conditions for both these watersheds looks positive. The population of rainbow trout in both the Pahsimeroi and Lemhi rivers is still dampened by the long term effect of multiple-year drought conditions. The quality of fishing will likely be influenced for several years to come. For the May23rd opener fishing will likely be difficult due to high and turbid water however it should improve throughout the summer. Late in the summer when temperatures get warmer, fish and fishing will be most active early in the morning when water temperatures are coolest. Remember that both of these rivers are largely private and most locations require permission for access. Consult your fishing rules book prior to fishing the Lemhi or Pahsimeroi as size and species restrictions apply.

Williams Lake:
Fishing in Williams Lake should be excellent until temperatures increase late in the summer. Results from sampling last fall suggest there is an abundance of fish in the lake. Excellent quality rainbows in the 12-15" range should be readily caught. Float tubes and boats provide anglers access throughout the lake and are recommended but not necessary. Good bank angling and easy angler access can be found on the northwest portions of the lake near the public boat dock.

Middle Fork Salmon River and Tributaries:
Good snow pack throughout the watershed increases the likelihood that opening day fishing conditions may be difficult. Once turbid runoff conditions subside the upper and mid portions of the Middle Fork and tributaries should provide good to excellent catch and release fishing for cutthroat trout and rainbow trout. Recent fires in the Middle Fork will cause the system to be unstable for the near future so muddy runoff events will likely be commonplace during periods of rain. Anglers venturing into the Middle Fork must be properly prepared as the country is very rugged and remote.

Upper Salmon River - Headwaters to Salmon:
Once the spring freshet recedes river conditions for fishing should be ideal during most of the summer. The big news this year is that a Chinook salmon fishery may be offered for the whole upper Salmon River from the town of Salmon to the Sawtooth Hatchery in the Stanley Basin. If predictions hold true, an expected 8000+/- excess hatchery Chinook salmon will arrive in the upper river beginning in late June or early July.

In the Stanley Basin adipose clipped hatchery rainbow trout support good fishing in the deeper pools and runs along Highway 75. Be aware that the only legal trout in the main-stem Salmon River are hatchery raised, adipose fin clipped rainbow trout. Stocking in this reach will begin in mid-June or when high water recedes.

Decent to good catch and release fishing for cutthroat and wild rainbows can be found on the main-stem Salmon River from the East Fork Salmon River to Pahsimeroi River stretch. Fishing in this reach should remain ideal throughout the summer if temperatures remain moderate.

Jimmy Smith, Herd, and Carslon Lakes:
Some hiking is required to access all of these lakes so anglers should take proper hiking equipment and carry water and lunches. All of these lakes typically provide good catch rates and exciting fishing. These lakes will be good bets this spring when river and stream fishing conditions are poor due to muddy conditions.

Bayhorse, Iron, Meadow, and Wallace Lakes
For Memorial Day weekend these lakes will still be inaccessible due to snow and road conditions. However later in the season they are excellent choices for weekend excursions. These lakes are stocked throughout the summer to provide decent angler opportunity.

Stream Fishing - Regionwide:
Stream fishing offers a variety of opportunities throughout the region. Many streams in the Salmon Region, excluding the Middle Fork Salmon River, offer great fishing and harvest opportunity for rainbow trout, cutthroat, and brook trout. There are literally hundreds of miles of fishing opportunity that can be found on tributaries to the Lemhi, Pahsimeroi, East Fork Salmon River, Yankee Fork, and upper Salmon River. In most locations fishing, unfortunately, will be difficult on the Memorial Day opener due to high water. However things will improve throughout the summer and fishing should be excellent throughout the summer and fall months.