Steelhead Fishing in Salmon area–21 February 2014

There have been a few fishermen out for steelhead in the Salmon vicinity lately, but the ice has not let go yet. Warmer nights have meant little slush ice running, but the Deadwater ice jam still extends upstream to above 4th of July creek. The river is open past the Tower Creek and Red Bluff ramps, but the ramps are still plugged with ice. The river is clear. There is a lot of low snow in the valley. Warm days will result in run-off that will muddy the river, so fishermen should pay attention to last-minute river conditions. Recent snowstorms have brought snowpack up to a little above average basin-wide, and in the mid-80% range in the headwaters.

I usually expect fishing to pick up when the river temperature gets into the 40s, but dirty water could be a concern this spring.