Top Waters in Salmon Region
Salmon River (Main)
RiverThe 'River of No Return' - Idaho's most famous river flowing over 400 miles from the Sawtooths to the Snake. Anglers flock to stretches near Riggins for Chinook salmon in spring/summer and steelhead in fall/winter. Hundreds of miles of fishable waters including excellent trout fishing in the central Idaho wilderness.
Middle Fork Salmon River
River105.6 miles of wild and scenic river - a premier backcountry fishing destination. Native westslope cutthroat and steelhead in pristine wilderness. Float trip recommended for full experience.
Little Salmon River
River52 miles joining the Main Salmon at Riggins. Heavily used during Chinook and steelhead seasons - road parallels much of it providing excellent bank access for those without boats. Also pretty river for summer trout fishing.
Snake River (Hells Canyon)
RiverThe mighty Snake through North America's deepest river gorge. Famous for huge White Sturgeon (catch-and-release only) - prehistoric fish over 6 feet long. Also excellent smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and steelhead.
Redfish Lake
LakeStunning 1,504-acre alpine lake in the Sawtooth Mountains. Famous for its endangered sockeye salmon (viewing only), but excellent fishing for kokanee, rainbow, bull trout, and brook trout. Iconic mountain scenery.
Alturas Lake
LakeAn 836-acre mountain lake in the Sawtooth Valley. Features Kokanee, Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Bull Trout (catch-and-release). Regular rainbow trout stocking throughout summer. Beautiful glacier-carved lake with camping and boat access.
Kids Creek Pond
LakeA small 0.6-acre pond near downtown Salmon, regularly stocked with rainbow trout. In some years, hatchery steelhead or Chinook salmon returning to Pahsimeroi Hatchery are released here for a rare fishing opportunity. Great for families.
Perkins Lake (Sawtooth)
LakeA scenic 50-acre mountain lake near Alturas Lake in the Sawtooth Range. Motor restrictions keep it peaceful. Stocked with rainbow trout. Features camping and toilet facilities. Good for brook trout, rainbow, and Bull Trout catch-and-release.
Steelhead and Scenery: Fishing the Salmon River Mountains
The River of No Return
The Salmon River flows over 400 miles through the heart of Idaho, offering everything from roadside bank access near Riggins to deep wilderness expeditions in the Frank Church. It's a premier destination for both spring Chinook salmon and fall/winter steelhead, with hundreds of miles of productive spawning habitat and deep wintering holes.
Middle Fork: Wilderness Fly Fishing
The Middle Fork of the Salmon is arguably the finest wilderness trout stream in America. Designated as one of the original Eight Wild and Scenic Rivers, its 100+ miles are a stronghold for native westslope cutthroat trout. It is a strictly catch-and-release fishery that rewards those who make the multi-day float trip with non-stop dry fly action in a pristine environment.
The Stanley Basin Lakes
Nestled at the foot of the Sawtooths, the high-alpine lakes like Redfish, Alturas, and Stanley offer spectacular scenery and excellent fishing for kokanee, rainbow, and brook trout. They are also the destination for the world's longest-migrating sockeye salmon, which return to these high mountain waters to spawn after a 900-mile journey from the Pacific.
Regional Highlights
- Main Salmon River
- Middle Fork Salmon
- Redfish Lake
- Chinook & Cutthroat