Weekly Fishing Report

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.

Steelhead anglers have crowded into the Salmon Region looking to catch returning steelhead. Over 400 campers were counted between North Fork and Corn Creek recently, so anglers should anticipate crowded fishing conditions especially on weekends. Practicing good fishing etiquette will come in handy for anglers sharing the river this fall.

Catch rates over the weekend were excellent in all river sections. Not surprisingly, anglers are concentrating their efforts in section 15 from the Middle Fork Salmon River to North Fork. Catch rates in this section were down to 6 hours per fish caught and 9 hours per fish kept. Catch rates in sections 16 and 17 (from North Fork to the mouth of the Pahsimeroi River) were very similar at 8 hours per fish caught and 13 - 14 hours per fish kept. Water temperatures are decreasing and are holding at 44 - 45 degrees. The river is running clear.

Anglers are reminded that limits on steelhead have been increased. The daily limit is now 5 fish of which no more than three fish may be 32 inches or more in length. The possession limit has been raised to 15 fish, no more than 9 of which may be 32 inches or more in length.

Most high mountain lake fishing is over for the season. Many lakes are beginning to freeze over and some areas have received snow which will soon make lakes difficult to access.

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.