Steelhead fishing continued to improve during the past week on the upper Salmon River. Angler effort increased in all areas but was highest within location code 15 between North Fork and the Middle Fork Salmon River. Anglers interviewed in location code 15 averaged 25 hours per steelhead caught. Anglers interviewed downstream of the Middle Fork Salmon River in location code 14 had the best observed catch rates for the week and averaged 8 hours per steelhead caught. Anglers interviewed upstream of North Fork in location code 16 averaged 51 hours per steelhead caught. Angler effort upstream of the Lemhi River in location code 17 remained low, and anglers interviewed within this area averaged 11 hours per steelhead caught.
River conditions over the weekend changed quickly due to a cold front that moved into the area late Friday. By Sunday, the river had clear visibility in all areas, and water temperatures had dropped into the mid-30s. Currently, the Salmon River is flowing at 1,210 cfs through the town of Salmon, ID which is 92 percent of average for today’s date.
We would like to remind steelhead anglers that the daily bag limit for the fall 2020 steelhead fishery is 2 hatchery steelhead per day, and the possession limit is 6 hatchery steelhead. For the most up-to-date steelhead fishing rules, anglers are encouraged to visit the IDFG website at https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead/rules.
report by Brent Beller | Idaho Fish and Game
