Idaho ·
Salmon River Fly Fishing Report - August 16, 2026
SALMON RIVER
ReportAUG 16 — 23, 2026
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Flow
871CFS
SALMON RIVER AT SALMON ID
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Water Temp
—
Updated 2026-08-15
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Weather
47–84°F
Patchy Fog
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Clarity
Clear
Check post-storm
The Salmon River at Salmon, ID is running 871 cfs at a gauge height of 1.99 ft — a low, clear summer level that demands precise presentations and light tippet. Water temps are in summer range; expect fish to be most active during the cooler bookends of the day.
What's Working — Hot Flies
Bionic Hopper - Tan #12
#12
Bionic Hopper - Purple #12
#12
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Black #16
#16
Bionic Ant 2.0 - Brown #12
#12
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Tan #20
#20
Corn-fed Caddis (CDC) Olive #20
#20
Tungsten Split Case Nymph - PMD #20
#20
Parachute - Blue Wing Olive #22
#22
Coffey's CH Sparkle Minnow Sculpin #6
#6
Joe's Mini Crayfish Jig #6
#6
Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Olive #12
#12
Tungsten Jig Bugger - Olive - Barbless #14
#14
Hatch Chart
| Insect | Size | Activity | Prime Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caddis | 16-18 | Moderate | 6 PM - 8 PM |
| PMD (Pale Morning Dun) | 18-20 | Moderate | 9 AM - 12 PM |
| Blue-Winged Olive | 20-22 | Light | 11 AM - 1 PM |
| Terrestrials (Ants & Hoppers) | 12-16 | Heavy | 11 AM - 4 PM |
| Midge | 20-24 | Light | 7 AM - 9 AM |
| Sculpin / Baitfish | 4-8 | Moderate | 6 AM - 9 AM |
Best Time Window
- 6 AM - 9 AM: Pre-sun streamer and nymph fishing in the deep holes and runs before fish go tight to cover.
- 10 AM - 3 PM: Prime terrestrial window — hoppers and ants along grassy cutbanks and shaded seams.
- 6 PM - Dark: Evening caddis hatch in the tailouts; dry fly action can be excellent as temps drop.
Guide's Tip
From the benchAt 871 cfs and 1.99 ft gauge height, the Salmon is running low and gin-clear — stealth is everything right now. Approach runs from downstream, stay low, and make your first cast count because you'll only get one or two shots at each fish. For terrestrials, target the shaded cutbanks and overhanging brush between 10 AM and 3 PM when hoppers and ants are most active. If afternoon thunderstorm clouds build (20% chance today), switch to a BWO dry and work the slower inside seams — fish will tip up and sip in the flat light.
Main Species
Steelhead
Chinook Salmon
Westslope Cutthroat Trout
