Idaho ·
Salmon River Fly Fishing Report - October 4, 2026
SALMON RIVER
ReportOCT 4 — 11, 2026
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Flow
1060CFS
SALMON RIVER AT SALMON ID
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Water Temp
—
Updated 2026-10-03
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Weather
37–84°F
Mostly Clear
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
The Salmon River at Salmon, ID is running at 1,060 cfs with a gauge height of 2.19 ft — a fishable, moderate fall flow with good clarity expected. Highs near 82°F today under sunny skies will warm afternoon water temps, so target shaded runs and deeper slots during midday.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Juju Baetis Tungsten #22
#22
Top Secret Baetis #16
#16
Black Zebra Midge(TBH) #20
#20
Olsen's Peacock Blowtorch Barbless #22 - 24
#22-24
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
#12
Olsen's Straggle Stone Brown Barbless #12 - 32
#12
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Egan's GTI Caddis - Olive #12
#12
Slush Egg Apricot - 14 #14
#14
Egan's Frenchie #12
#12
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) | 18-22 | Moderate | 11 AM - 2 PM |
| Midge | 20-24 | Heavy | 7 AM - 10 AM |
| Caddis | 16-20 | Light | 4 PM - 7 PM |
| October Caddis | 8-12 | Light | 3 PM - 6 PM |
| Stonefly (Golden/Brown) | 12-16 | Light | 9 AM - 12 PM |
Best Time Window
- 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: Early midge and nymph bite in slow pools and glassy tailouts before the sun hits the water.
- 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Prime BWO hatch window — watch the flat water for rising fish and match with a #22 parachute or emerger.
- 5:00 PM - Dusk: Evening caddis activity along shaded banks; swing or skate a caddis dry through the riffles as light fades.
Guide's Tip
From the benchAt 1,060 cfs the Salmon is at a very fishable fall level — focus your nymphing efforts in the 3-5 ft seams just off the main current tongue, keeping your indicator set to 1.5x the water depth. With sunny skies and a high of 82°F, the best dry-fly action will compress into the 11 AM–1 PM BWO window and again at dusk for caddis; during the bright midday hours, drop down to your egg pattern and work the water immediately downstream of any visible spawning activity. Use a longer, lighter tippet (5X or 6X fluorocarbon) in the clear fall flows — these fish have seen pressure and will refuse a dragging fly.
Main Species
Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
