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Idaho · Fishing
Salmon, Idaho sits at the confluence of the Salmon River and Lemhi River in one of the more remote stretches of central Idaho, and the fishing access around town reflects that geography.
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Salmon, Idaho sits at the confluence of the Salmon River and Lemhi River in one of the more remote stretches of central Idaho, and the fishing access around town reflects that geography. The three listed sites — Iron Lake Campground, Williams Lake Campground, and Shoup Bridge Recreation Site — give you a mix of lake and river fishing without requiring a long backcountry push. Shoup Bridge sits along the main Salmon River corridor downstream from town, making it one of the more accessible river fishing spots in the area. Iron Lake and Williams Lake campgrounds offer still-water options that fish differently from the river and can be worth targeting when river conditions are off. The Salmon River drainage is known for steelhead and Chinook salmon runs in addition to resident trout, so what you're chasing will largely determine when you show up and what gear you bring. Idaho Fish and Game manages seasons and bag limits closely in this drainage, so checking current regulations before you go is not optional — it's the first thing you should do.
The Salmon River drainage supports Chinook salmon, steelhead, and resident rainbow and bull trout. The lakes at Iron Lake and Williams Lake campgrounds are more likely to hold stocked or resident trout. Check Idaho Fish and Game's current stocking and run reports for the most accurate picture before your trip.
Summer steelhead and Chinook runs typically bring anglers to the Salmon River corridor from late spring through fall, though exact timing varies by year and water conditions. For lake fishing at Iron Lake and Williams Lake, late spring through early summer and again in early fall tend to be the most productive windows when water temperatures are cooler.
Yellowjacket Guard Station
~39 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Bloody Dick Cabin
~49 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Twin Lakes Cabin
~55 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Gordon Reese Cabin
~1h 21m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Horse Prairie Cabin
~58 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Bull Spring
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Alta Campground
~1h 17m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Berry Lake
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
May Creek Cabin
~1h 17m drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
White Goat Lake
~47 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Williams Lake Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near ID.
Slag-a-melt Lakes
~48 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MT.
Yes. Idaho requires a valid fishing license for anyone 14 and older, and fishing for salmon or steelhead requires additional tags on top of the base license. Regulations on the Salmon River can include gear restrictions and selective harvest rules, so download the current Idaho Fish and Game regulations booklet and read the specific rules for the Salmon Region before you go.
For the Salmon River at Shoup Bridge, medium to heavy spinning or fly gear is appropriate depending on what you're targeting. If you're after steelhead or salmon, heavier rods in the 8-10 weight range for fly fishing or a medium-heavy spinning setup with 15-20 lb line are standard. For resident trout, lighter tackle works fine. Waders are useful but not always necessary depending on where you're fishing from the bank.
The lake campgrounds at Iron Lake and Williams Lake are the better starting point for beginners and families since still-water fishing is more forgiving than reading a fast river. Shoup Bridge offers river bank access that is reasonably straightforward, but the Salmon River moves fast and wading should be approached carefully, especially earlier in the season when snowmelt is running high.
