Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report 10.14.26

Idaho Fish and Game’s first weekly Upper Salmon River steelhead report for fall 2026 sets expectations early: the steelhead return is tracking among the lowest ever recorded at Bonneville Dam since counts began in 1938. Based on that forecast, statewide bag and possession limits for fall are reduced to two adipose-clipped steelhead per day, with up to six in possession. The opening week also saw low angler effort and difficult fishing, with a single released fish producing an average catch rate of 64 hours per steelhead. Conditions were still favorable—clear visibility, flows at 95% of average through Salmon (1,200 cfs), and water temperatures in the upper 40s. The report highlights that about 90% of this year’s return is 2-ocean steelhead averaging around 28 inches.