07-09-2008, 11:10 AM
Rivers are creeks are still running high and fast, although water levels are beginning to drop. The main Salmon River is still fairly high and muddy making fishing difficult for those hoping to land a salmon. So far, only one of the big fish has been caught, but dropping water levels over the holiday weekend may help anglers. Fisheries biologists report that the salmon run has just begun and they expect harvest rates to improve soon.
<br>Most mountain lakes in the region are open with a few exceptions. Iron Lake outside of Salmon is still inaccessible as is Meadow Lake in the Lemhi Valley. The lakes found at elevations of 7,000 - 8,000 feet may still have ice in the shady portions as well as some snow along access trails and roads.<br>
<br>In the Challis area, Mosquito Flats Reservoir and Mackay Reservoir are fishing well. Bayhorse Lake has been hit-and-miss for anglers recently with some folks catching a fish on every cast and others unable to land anything.<br>
<br>The Stanley Basin is shaping up to be a great weekend fishing destination. A number of area creeks and lakes have been stocked recently including Hellroaring and Valley Creeks as well as most of the lakes on the valley floor. Stanley Lake has been an excellent spot for fishing both for rainbow and lake trout. Just about anything goes for lake trout right now. Trolling from a boat is an excellent way to fish for these big trout. But anglers fly-fishing and spin casting with worms from the bank are also having good luck.<br>
<br>Don't forget to check with the tackle shop nearest your fishing destination for bait, tackle, additional fishing tips and information on local fishing waters.
<br>Most mountain lakes in the region are open with a few exceptions. Iron Lake outside of Salmon is still inaccessible as is Meadow Lake in the Lemhi Valley. The lakes found at elevations of 7,000 - 8,000 feet may still have ice in the shady portions as well as some snow along access trails and roads.<br>
<br>In the Challis area, Mosquito Flats Reservoir and Mackay Reservoir are fishing well. Bayhorse Lake has been hit-and-miss for anglers recently with some folks catching a fish on every cast and others unable to land anything.<br>
<br>The Stanley Basin is shaping up to be a great weekend fishing destination. A number of area creeks and lakes have been stocked recently including Hellroaring and Valley Creeks as well as most of the lakes on the valley floor. Stanley Lake has been an excellent spot for fishing both for rainbow and lake trout. Just about anything goes for lake trout right now. Trolling from a boat is an excellent way to fish for these big trout. But anglers fly-fishing and spin casting with worms from the bank are also having good luck.<br>
<br>Don't forget to check with the tackle shop nearest your fishing destination for bait, tackle, additional fishing tips and information on local fishing waters.