Long Tom Bar / Rapid Zoneson Middle Fork of the Salmon River
October Caddis are becoming a significant factor
- 01October Caddis are becoming a significant factor, particularly for Westslope Cutthroat.
- 02Terrestrial fishing remains strong with hoppers and Chernobyl Ants still drawing aggressive strikes.
- 03Aggressive Cutthroat are taking large terrestrials and early fall attractors.
- 04Fall Blue-Winged Olive hatches are anticipated, especially on overcast days.
- 05Fish are actively feeding in preparation for winter.
What to tie on at Long Tom Bar / Rapid Zones
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Stimulator
Aggressive Westslope Cutthroat are taking large foam dries and attractor patterns. This fly imitates Golden Stoneflies and is highly effective in fast pocket water.
Buy at AmazonChubby Chernobyl
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.
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.
October Caddis (Dry)
Larger October Caddis are actively becoming a factor for Westslope Cutthroat Trout, making this an essential fall pattern.
Buy at AmazonPurple Haze
Solid late-July fishing on the Middle Fork with a consistent focus on attractor dries. This pattern is a reliable summer attractor.
Buy at AmazonHoppers
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.
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.
Elk Hair Caddis
Fish are opportunistic and looking up for attractor patterns and caddis during classic summer dry fly fishing on the Middle Fork.
Buy at AmazonPurple Haze
Aggressive Cutthroat Trout are taking early fall attractors, and this is a proven pattern for both Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.
Buy at AmazonIdaho season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.