The
Upper Salmon River, from Stanley downstream
to Challis, has two distinct fisheries. Steelhead
move into the river around March 15 as water
temps begin to rise. Fishing is primarily walk-and-wade,
angling to visible fish. Fish are beginning
to spawn around this time, but remain very aggressive
through the season, which ends in late April.
A Sawtooth National Recreation permit is required
along with a Steelhead permit. This is a favorite
area of local anglers as the fishing is usually
consistent and access easy. Access
is via Highway 75, Northeast from Stanley.
The road follows the river the entire stretch,
making access easy.
Suggested
Flies:
Dr. Seuss, Boss, Egg-Sucking Leeches and Crystal
Egg Patterns.
The
second fishery on the Upper Salmon is a summer
fishery for rainbow and native cutthroat trout
that focuses on the main river and its tributaries
using large attractor dry flies. Fishing access
is by drift boat or by walk-and-wade. The
main river is stocked with hatchery rainbow
trout in the upper forested sections near
Stanley, while the high desert canyon section
of the river between Clayton and Challis holds
increasing numbers of westslope cutthroat.
Most fish are in the 10 to 14 inch range,
but larger cutthroat to 20 inches are caught
each summer. Regulations require that all
cutthroat trout be released.
Access
is via Highway 75, Northeast from Stanley.
The road follows the river the entire stretch,
making access easy.
Suggested
Flies: Chernobyl
Ants, Stimulators, Double Humpies and Trantulas.
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