Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Salmon Region
Between Stanley and Clayton, the upper Salmon River runs along Highway 75 through the Sawtooth country, with cutthroat, rainbows and bull trout.
Looking for the latest Upper Salmon River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Upper Salmon River (Stanley).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Upper Salmon River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The upper river is low, clear and cold.
Nymphs and small streamers in the deeper runs on the warmest part of the day.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Stanley to Clayton, bring: Stimulator #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-18, Pheasant Tail Nymph #14-16, Woolly Bugger #6-8, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Upper Salmon River details
| Access | Highway 75 follows the river, with many pullouts and campgrounds. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 5,500 to 6,200 ft |
| Nearest town | Stanley, Idaho |
| Best season | Summer and fall |
| Fish | Westslope cutthroat, rainbow and bull trout, whitefish |
| Regulations | Bull trout must be released. Salmon and steelhead are protected here. Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seasons and rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 4X to 5X tippet |
| Camping | Many Sawtooth National Recreation Area campgrounds along Highway 75 |
| Kids | Yes, at campgrounds along the highway. |
| Good to know | Stanley is often the coldest spot in Idaho. Expect frost even in summer. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snow and ice.
Spring
Runoff.
Summer
Caddis, stoneflies and attractor dries.
Fall
BWOs and October caddis.
How to get there
From Boise, take State Highway 21 to Stanley, or from Ketchum take Highway 75 over Galena Summit.