The Seasons On The Salmon River
As the seasons change, so does the river.
In April, when the grass begins to grow at low elevations, elk, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats are numerous near the river, and more approachable than at any other time of year.
In early May, the game begins to drift to higher elevations, but wildflowers reach their height of color. Weather can be unstable this time of year. Temperatures can be in the 70s, but be prepared for rain, too. Solitude on the river is greatest at this time. We put trips together by request at this time, rather than regular schedule.
River levels crest from snowmelt between late May and mid June and in some years can be too high to comfortably float. We do not schedule trips for this period until we have some estimate of snowpack. In low-water years, however, this can be an excellent time to float.
During late June and early July, the river has begun to drop, but still is powerful. Whitewater on the Middle Fork is best at this time. Our floating speed is greater than later in the summer, so we have more time for hikes during the day and in camp.
In late July and August the river slows and warms, providing better fishing and swimming. We spend longer days floating. Whitewater on the Main Salmon is probably best at this time, after the river has dropped a little and the rapids are more defined.
During June, July and August we will see other parties of floaters. We see bighorn sheep on the Main and Middle Fork during summer months, but other big game is less visible at this time of year. We see golden eagles and sometimes deer or river otters in summer. Our trips are regularly scheduled at this time.
By Labor Day, traffic on the river thins greatly. Days begin to cool and shorten, and there is a strong hint of high-country fall. The Lower Salmon is a very pleasant trip at this time, after the summer heat has moderated. In September it is still warm enough to swim and wiggle your toes in the sand--a last taste of summer.
The first half of October is normally beautiful Indian Summer. This is our most popular period on the Lower Salmon for sportsmen. Warm days, crisp nights, golden cottonwood and aspen, red sumac, steelhead fishing,chukar hunting, solitude--it’s a good time to be on the river.
Whitewater on the Middle Fork is best in the early summer, and is good through mid-August. The total amount of whitewater on the Main Salmon does not change greatly with different water levels. Some rapids which are major rapids in high water are minor rapids in low water, and other rapids are the reverse. During high flows the Lower Salmon is unsafe to run. By mid-summer, flows are more reasonable, but temperatures can be pretty hot. Late summer and early fall is a more pleasant time to be on the Lower Salmon.
