Fishing Report June 18th 2026
Salmon River
The Salmon River is currently running at 2300 CFS here in town. It has definitely stabilized and isn't dropping quite as fast as the last couple of weeks. This is a good thing. The Golden Stoneflies have been coming off in much bigger numbers and the fish are all over them. There are also PMD's and a few caddis still hatching, as well as Yellow Sallies. Chubby Chernobyl's have been working the best but other stonefly patterns have been productive as well. Water temps have been in the mid 50's in the mornings, which is great, but a dropper off your chubby in the morning will help you catch more fish before the sun is on the water.
Lemhi River
The Lemhi River has dropped significantly since last week. It is flowing at 120 CFS in Lemhi and 45 CFS here in town. The fishing is still best up high on it and nymphing is still the most productive way to catch fish. Stonefly nymphs have been working well and the fish are also looking for some smaller mayfly nymphs as well. Pat's Rubber Legs and a Pheasant Tail Nymph as a dropper is a good option right now. With the river being as low as it currently is, access is much easier to find.
Panther Creek
Panther Creek is fishing very well. It is flowing at 60 CFS at Cobalt, which is a perfect height to fish. The Cutthroat should really start migrating up there more and more as each day goes by, and they'll come up for just about anything! Golden Stoneflies and even some Salmonflies have been reported, so Chubby's, Amy's Ant or really any fly with foam and rubber legs should work well out there.
Williams Lake
Not much has changed on Williams Lake. Leeches are still working well and I don't expect that to change anytime soon. I highly encourage everyone to check out some of the Alpine Lakes in the area as well. Most of them are now accessible, and they can all fish really well early in the season. Some you can drive all the way to, and some you have to hike to. Stop by the shop and we can get you lined out on a few to go and try!
We still have a couple of days open for guided float trips on The Salmon River and everyone that has been out so far has had great action on the surface with the Golden Stoneflies hatching. Give us a call and we can get you a date!
Go Fish!
Logan
