Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Cache Bar (common put-in/take-out corridor)on Middle Fork of the Salmon River

    Major access/put-in area used by outfitters launching multi-day floats into the Middle Fork corridor.
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    October Caddis are becoming a significant factor

    1. 01October Caddis are becoming a significant factor, particularly for Westslope Cutthroat.
    2. 02Terrestrial fishing remains strong with hoppers and Chernobyl Ants still drawing aggressive strikes.
    3. 03Aggressive Cutthroat are taking large terrestrials and early fall attractors.
    4. 04Fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches are anticipated, especially on overcast days.
    5. 05Fish are actively feeding in preparation for winter.

    What to tie on at Cache Bar (common put-in/take-out corridor)

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    dry98%

    Stimulator

    #8#10#12#14#16

    Aggressive Westslope Cutthroat are taking large foam dries and attractor patterns. This fly imitates Golden Stoneflies and is highly effective in fast pocket water.

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    Chubby Chernobyl

    #14#16

    Directly recommended in recent angler reports as a productive dry fly for aggressive Westslope Cutthroat, effective as a large attractor or stonefly imitation. Dry-dropper rigs are highly effective.

    terrestrial95%

    Amy's Ant

    Aggressive Westslope Cutthroat are taking large foam dries and attractor patterns in the wilderness sections of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

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    October Caddis (Dry)

    #6#8#10

    Larger October Caddis are actively becoming a factor for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, making this an essential fall pattern.

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    Purple Haze

    #14#16#18

    Solid late-July fishing on the Middle Fork with a consistent focus on attractor dries. This pattern is a reliable summer attractor.

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    terrestrial95%

    Hoppers

    Terrestrial activity is at its peak during late July and early August, providing excellent summer dry fly fishing for wild Cutthroat actively looking for surface food.

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    Water Walker

    Aggressive Westslope Cutthroat are taking large foam dries and attractor patterns in the wilderness sections of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

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    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18

    Fish are opportunistic and looking up for attractor patterns and caddis during classic summer dry fly fishing on the Middle Fork.

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    Purple Haze

    #14#16#18

    Aggressive Cutthroat Trout are taking early fall attractors, and this is a proven pattern for both Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.

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    Idaho season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.