Salt River
river in Wyoming
Originating from springs in the Salt River Range, the Salt River flows north through a productive agricultural valley, known for its clear waters and challenging, yet rewarding, fishing.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Excellent fall fly fishing under clear skies
- 01Excellent fall fly fishing under clear skies.
- 02Consistent Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches and active October Caddis.
- 03Midge activity remains a constant food source year-round.
- 04Egg patterns are highly effective below spawning areas.
- 05Focus on slower runs, deeper pockets, and eddy lines with structure.
- 06Adapt tactics from deep nymphing/streamers in the morning to dry-dropper rigs as the day warms.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
October Caddis
The largest caddis hatch of the year in fall, drawing aggressive strikes from trout looking for a substantial meal.
Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs
Large stonefly nymphs are a year-round, high-calorie food source, effective subsurface as trout prepare for winter.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg season; trout will key in on eggs below spawning beds, making this pattern highly effective.
Buy at AmazonFloating Pond Smelt
Trout actively feed on pond smelt in early mornings as water temperatures drop, a primary fall food source.
Olive Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer imitating leeches and baitfish, excellent for enticing aggressive trout in colder fall waters.
Isonychia Dun
Isonychia are actively hatching on freestone rivers in the fall, providing a prime dry fly opportunity.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent, year-round food source, becoming especially important as water temperatures drop in the fall.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Fall BWO hatches are a key event, particularly on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly essential for selective trout.
Where to fish and who to ask
Afton Town Sections
Public access within and near Afton offers easy wading and good opportunities for anglers.
Confluence with Stump Creek
This area where Stump Creek joins the Salt River creates excellent habitat and a reliable fishing area.
Freedom Bridge Access
A popular spot near Freedom, WY, providing reliable public access and consistent fishing.
Get Salt River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Wyoming season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Best Fly Fishing Waders of 2025 – Breathable vs. Neoprene
Expert comparison of breathable and neoprene waders with top 2025 models for every budget and fishing condition.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Salt River.
What flies work best on Salt River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Salt River right now are Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence), Mother's Day Caddis (80% confidence), Tungsten Bead Pat's Rubber Legs (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Salt River?
Salt River holds Fine-spotted Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Salt River?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Salt River are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Salt River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Salt River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.