Slate Creek / North Fork Confluenceon Main Salmon River (The River of No Return)
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Midge hatches (sizes 18-22) are consistent
- 01Midge hatches (sizes 18-22) are consistent, providing reliable subsurface action.
- 02Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are expected on overcast afternoons, offering dry fly opportunities.
- 03October Caddis (sizes 6-10) are making their annual fall appearance.
- 04Egg patterns are crucial due to ongoing salmonid spawning activity in the system.
- 05Streamers imitating sculpins and baitfish are effective for enticing larger, predatory trout and bull trout.
What to tie on at Slate Creek / North Fork Confluence
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round on freestone rivers like the Main Salmon River. This small nymph is effective as a subsurface searching pattern for selective Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Wild Rainbow Trout.
Buy at AmazonOctober Caddis (Dry)
The October Caddis is one of the last significant caddis hatches of the year, offering prime dry fly opportunities for rising fish.
Buy at AmazonElk Hair Caddis
Caddis hatches are a staple during summer on the Main Salmon River. This pattern effectively imitates active adult caddis, a key food source for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Wild Rainbow Trout.
Buy at AmazonCopper John
The Copper John is a versatile attractor nymph, effective year-round in faster water. It's an excellent point fly in nymph rigs for Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Wild Rainbow Trout on the Main Salmon River.
Buy at AmazonTungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Excellent for getting deep and imitating stonefly nymphs in the higher, colder flows typical of spring runoff on the Main Salmon River.
Buy at AmazonPine Squirrel Leech (Olive)
Small leech patterns effectively mimic sluggish baitfish and annelids in cold water, enticing strikes from larger, lethargic trout in early spring.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
An essential searching nymph, it effectively mimics various active mayfly nymphs, including emerging Blue-Winged Olives, which are key in early spring.
Mother's Day Caddis
The prolific Mother's Day Caddis hatch is expected in late April through May, making this dry fly a perfect imitation for adult caddis if fish are looking up.
Zebra Midge (Black)
Midges are a primary active insect even in cold water, making this a staple year-round pattern that can entice finicky trout in spring conditions.
Idaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.