Summer Fishing Report
TROUT FISHING: Fishing in the Sawtooth Valley, Stanley Basin and Upper Main Salmon area is very hit and miss. The river is high and swift which means it is tough to fish. I would look to the lakes and ponds until the river and it’s tributary streams begin to drop. Stocking of catchable “pan sized†rainbow trout has been done in a few local ponds and will begin in the upper river when the flow drops down.
Local valley lakes and ponds are the best possibility and a much safer place to try for fish right now. If we get a warmer day, there might even be a few bugs on the surface, otherwise, go under the surface and look to nymphs, streamers and possibly some emergers. Lake Trout or Kokanee may be found on some valley lakes that hold those fish as the lakes “turn over” each spring and fall when water temperatures reach the right level. Some of the lakes are currently producing bull trout that move thru the system each spring headed for their summer residences.
SALMON SEASON: Due to start on June 20, is the second Chinook Salmon season in this area in over 30 years. Check with Idaho Fish and Game and local shops for regulations and more information on fishing for these fish.
Many of the fish we catch here in our area are Westslope Cutthroat, native Rainbow trout and Bull Trout. These fish are native, natural fish and must be released. If you do not practice catch and release and prefer to keep fish, there are some rainbows with missing adipose fins which can be kept, as well as Brooke Trout, but learn the difference between Bull Trout, Lake Trout and Brook Trout. If you are fishing the Main Salmon River, please be sure to check the adipose fin and if the fish has one and is not a Mountain Whitefish or Brook trout, it must be released so please handle it carefully and let it go to catch another day. Consider fishing only with a single barbless hook to increase survival rates of the native fish. Hatchery stocked, catch and keep rainbow trout will be missing the adipose fin. Middle Fork tributaries are CATCH & RELEASE only.
General fishing season opened on May 23 this year so most waters are open. Check the regulation book for exceptions and remember that many fish are protected and cannot be kept. The regulation book tells what can be kept and how to tell the difference. Call local outfitters and shops for day to day updates on local waters and best flies or tackle to use.
Report Courtesy of Sawtooth Fishing Guides
- Report courtesy of Julie Meissner
Sawtooth Fishing Guides
208-774-8768
