Steelhead on a fly rod–8 March 2013

13 March 2013  Salmon River steelhead fishing conditions near Salmon Idaho:  At mid-day the river was 44 degrees, somewhat off-color, about 20 inches of visibility, about on the edge of my interest in fishing.  Last week fishing was OK, but slowed over the weekend. River conditions were adequate through the beginning of the week, but it seemed as if there weren’t many fish around. There were a few stories of decent catches by people bouncing lead.  The warmer water will bring more fish into the Salmon area, but we also can expect more off-color water.  There is quite a bit of valley snow still to melt, as well as higher elevation snow.  Freezing nights will help.