The cooling weather has brought some changes to our local rivers, and we’re here with the latest fishing report to help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you’re heading to the Snake River or the Salt River, here’s what you need to know this week.
Snake River
Current Conditions: With water temperatures dropping, the Snake River is experiencing some classic late-season conditions. Claassenia is active, particularly from Moose down to Sheep Gulch. While caddis still make an appearance in the morning, and yellow sallies pop up occasionally, it’s the PMDs that dominate the surface action. Although not in huge numbers, you can expect solid activity from around noon until 4 pm.
Best Spots:
- Surface Action: Focus on side channels, troughs, and riffle pools for the best surface production. Eddies are also worth exploring.
- Effective Flies: Parachute Adams, Parachute Extended Body PMDs, DL Cripples, and Film Critics are all excellent choices for PMD imitations. Consider fishing them in tandem or pairing with a Stimulator to mimic a yellow sallie.
Streamer Fishing:
Best Techniques: Moderately sized streamer patterns are working best on floating lines, sinking tips in the INT to 3ips range, or short lengths of T-8. Target currents with moderate speeds along banks and structure, in troughs, and along the current margins of seams. Vary your retrieves and allow your rigging to sink occasionally for optimal results.
Productivity: Streamer fishing continues to be productive below South Park, though it’s becoming more hit-or-miss from Pacific Creek to well downstream of Wilson.
Salt River
Current Conditions: The Salt River is continuing to fish well since runoff subsided, offering good action despite a slowdown in hatch activity. The exception is the tricos, which are currently dominating all other hatches combined.
Best Techniques:
Productive Nymphs: Nymphs like perdigons, Egan’s Iron Lotus, and Lightening Bugs are proving to be particularly effective. Focus your efforts on eddies, seams, riffles, and troughs for the best action.
Rig Setup: Dry-dropper rigs are outperforming tandem dry setups. Keep your dropper tippet between 14” and 30” for best results.
As the weather cools, the fishing on both the Snake and Salt Rivers continues to offer great opportunities, albeit with some adjustments in tactics. Whether you’re targeting surface feeders on the Snake or nymphing on the Salt, staying adaptable to the changing conditions will help you stay productive on the water.
Tight lines, and happy fishing!
