Idaho Fly Fishing 5 min read

Upper Salmon River Idaho Fly Fishing: Map & Guide

Ken Sperry

Posted by Ken Sperry

February 5, 2025

Upper Salmon River in Idaho.

The Upper Salmon River, nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho, is a pristine destination offering some of the finest fly fishing experiences in the Gem state. Its crystal-clear waters, diverse fish species, and stunning landscapes make it a top choice for anglers seeking adventure and peace.

Overview of the River

Flowing north from its source in the Sawtooth Mountains, the Upper Salmon River winds through rugged terrain for over 400 miles before merging with the Snake River. Accessible via Highway 93 and Highway 75, the river presents a variety of fishing environments, including swift currents, deep pools, gentle runs, and quiet eddies.

Fish Species

A-run Steelhead is the main draw on the Upper Salmon River. These are the smaller of Idaho’s two steelhead strains and average 4 to 8 pounds. The B-run steelhead, which averages 12 to 16 pounds and can exceed 20 pounds, primarily runs up the Clearwater River.

  • Rainbow Trout: Abundant stocked “catchable” and wild redband rainbows provide decent fishing in the river’s upper reaches from Stanely to Clayton.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Native Westslope Cutthroats are found in the upper sections and tributaries.
  • Steelhead: Hatchery-raised A-run steelhead makes seasonal runs, offering exciting opportunities in spring and fall.
  • Bull Trout: Present in smaller numbers; remember to release Bull Trout immediately as they are a protected species.
  • Chinook Salmon: Seasonal migrations occur, but strict fishing regulations are in place to support conservation efforts.

Salmon River Headwaters Map

Map of the best places to fish and access the headwaters of the Salmon River in Idaho

Upper Salmon River Map

Map of the best places to fish on the Upper Salmon River in Idaho

Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map

Best Places to Access Upper Salmon River

State Highway 75 and U.S. 93 parallel the 175 miles of the Salmon River from Stanley Basin to North Fork. A rough gravel and dirt road follows the river another 40 miles from North Fork to the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.

  • Stanley Area: Provides access to the upper sections and tributaries, perfect for those seeking solitude and smaller fish.
  • Challis: The river runs alongside the highway, offering numerous pull-offs and easy access points.
  • Salmon: Downstream access with amenities available in town, suitable for those looking for guided trips or local advice.

Best Time to Fish Upper Salmon River

  • Spring (March to May): The primary Steelhead run kicks into gear, typically when water temperatures get above 44 degrees (Fahrenheit). Early spring can be unpredictable due to snowmelt affecting water levels.
  • Summer (June to August): Ideal for trout fishing with consistent hatches and pleasant weather. Early mornings and late evenings yield the best results. Chinook begins to arrive in mid-May, and the season opens in mid-June.
  • Fall (September to November): Cooler temperatures lead to aggressive feeding behavior in trout. There’s a chance to encounter steelhead returning to the river.
  • Winter (December to February): Fishing activity slows due to cold temperatures and ice. Limited opportunities exist for dedicated anglers.

Upper Salmon River Hatches

  • Stoneflies: Salmonflies and Golden Stoneflies hatch from late spring into summer.
  • Mayflies: Blue-winged olives, Pale Morning Duns, and March Browns are typical.
  • Caddisflies: Various species hatch throughout summer and into fall.
  • Midges: Active year-round, particularly important in colder months.

Best Flies for the Upper Salmon River

You don’t need to get too fancy with flies, as mayfly, caddis, and stonefly hatches are light and sporadic. Traditional attractor trout and steelhead patterns work well. The latter will also work for Chinook.

Trout Flies

  • Dry Flies
    • Parachute Adams
    • Elk Hair Caddis
    • Pale Morning Dun
    • Stimulator (for stonefly hatches)
  • Nymphs
    • Pheasant Tail
    • Hare’s Ear
    • Prince Nymph
    • Stonefly Nymphs
  • Streamers
    • Woolly Bugger
    • Muddler Minnow
    • Sculpin Patterns

Steelhead (and Chinook) Flies

  • Intruder Patterns
  • Spey Flies
  • Egg Patterns
  • Leech Patterns

Fishing Techniques

  • Dry Fly Fishing: Effective during hatch periods, especially in summer when insect activity peaks.
  • Nymphing: A year-round method targeting trout feeding below the surface. Use strike indicators or employ Euro nymphing techniques.
  • Streamer Fishing: Imitates baitfish to attract larger trout. Cast across and downstream, retrieving with varying speeds.
  • Swinging Flies: A popular method for steelhead. Utilize spey rods and swinging techniques to cover extensive sections of water.

Gear Recommendations

  • Rod: A 9-foot, 7- or 8-weight rod and a reel with a disc drag and 150 to 200 yards of backing are standard steelhead gear. A 5-weight rod is sufficient for trout, and a 9- or 10-weight is best for Salmon.
  • Line: A floating or weight-forward line and various sink tips will accommodate most conditions.
  • Leader: Use tapered leaders under nine feet and 2X or 1X for steelhead—size down for smaller trout patterns.

Upper Salmon River Fishing Report

Area outfitters, tackle, and fly shops are your best bet for a current fly fishing report. A few to consider are listed below.

Stream Flow and Current Conditions

Check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the Upper Salmon River. The USGS stream gauge near Clayton, Idaho, provides current conditions in the Stanley Basin. A second gauge in Salmon provides current conditions further downstream.

The graphs below show the stream flow (discharge) for the past seven days. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart), fishing conditions may not be ideal.

SALMON RIVER BL YANKEE FORK NR CLAYTON ID

  • Streamflow: 414 ft³/s
  • Gage height: 2.04 ft
Streamflow GraphGage height Graph
USGS

SALMON RIVER AT SALMON ID

  • Streamflow: 414 ft³/s
  • Gage height: 2.25 ft
Streamflow GraphGage height Graph
USGS

Upper Salmon River Regulations

Obtain an Idaho fishing license and any necessary permits before fishing. Be aware of special regulations, especially concerning steelhead and salmon seasons. Some sections may have catch-and-release rules or gear restrictions. Current Idaho fishing regulations are available on the Idaho Fish and Game website.

Special Regulations

  • Rainbow over 20″ considered steelhead
  • Hatchery steelhead open to harvest; special permit required
  • Hatchery saltwater salmon open to harvest; special permit required
  • Cutthroat catch-and-release on the main stem of Salmon and tributaries
  • From mouth to headwaters, rainbow harvest is permitted only for Hatchery fish with a clipped adipose fin. The limit is 6. Wild rainbows must be released.
  • Bull Trout are protected; catch and immediate release only.

Trip Planning

Getting There

  • Nearest Airport: The closest major airport is Boise Airport (BOI). From Boise, you have a few options to reach the Upper Salmon area:
  • Driving: The main access points to the Upper Salmon are via Highway 75. This highway follows the river in many places. Be prepared for long driving times and limited services in some areas.

Accommodations

The Upper Salmon region offers a range of lodging options, though choices can become more limited the further you get from larger towns:

  • Lodges and Resorts: Several fishing lodges and resorts cater specifically to anglers. These often provide guided fishing services, meals, and comfortable accommodations. These tend to be the most expensive option.
  • Hotels and Motels: Towns like Salmon, Stanley, and Challis offer hotels and motels, providing more standard accommodation options.
  • Camping: A popular option, especially for those seeking a more immersive experience. Numerous campgrounds are available within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Backcountry camping is possible in some areas but requires careful planning and permits.
  • Vacation Rentals: Websites like Airbnb and VRBO may offer vacation rentals, including cabins and houses, providing more space and amenities.

Timing

  • Season: The prime fly fishing season on the Upper Salmon runs from late spring through fall. Spring runoff can impact water clarity and accessibility, so check conditions.
  • Weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures, rain, and snow, especially at higher elevations—pack layers of clothing.

Other Considerations

  • Remote Location: The Upper Salmon is a remote area. Be prepared for limited cell service and long distances between towns. Carry a map and consider a satellite communication device for emergencies.
  • Supplies: Pack all necessary fishing gear, clothing, and personal items. Resupplying can be challenging once you’re in the area.
  • Wildlife: Be aware of bears, elk, and deer. Store food properly and follow safety guidelines.

Looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Idaho for more suggestions.