🎣 FISHING REPORT — 7/28/25

Hey Stanley Anglers

Fishing has been phenomenal lately! The spruce moths are here and the fish are going wild for them. We’re hoping the hatch sticks around, but with these bugs, timing can be unpredictable.

Larger caddis patterns can get the job done, but we’ve got some killer spruce moth imitations in the shop that are hard to beat. Focus your efforts around brushy, willow-lined banks—especially through the canyon stretch, where the moth action is best.

We’re seeing a few moths showing up below Torrey’s and down toward Clayton, but that stretch is better suited for a solid hopper-dropper setup.

Salmon River:

SPRUCE MOTHS.
Size 10s and 12s. These bugs mimic caddis in look and behavior, so large elk hairs can work in a pinch. That said, Keller’s Mr. Miller has been lights out.

North of Stanley:

Fishing has really picked up up here—lots of hatchery rainbows and whitefish in the system.
Go smaller for best results:

  • Dry flies: Size 14 and smaller

  • Nymphs for whitefish

  • Hoppers: Size 12

  • Ants and beetles are also getting eats

Stanley Area Lakes:

Plenty of stocked fish cruising the local lakes.

  • Daytime: Woolly buggers & balanced leeches

  • Evening rises: Switch to small dries once fish start looking up

Alpine Lakes:

The high-country is fishing well!

  • Fish are holding deep during the day. Use balanced leeches or buggers with split shot—jig the drop-offs.

  • Around sunset, expect them to move higher—perfect time to switch to terrestrials and mosquito patterns.

Middle Fork:

Our guides at Rocky Mountain River Tours just got off the Middle Fork and reported it’s firing right now.

  • Throw Middle Fork classics:

    • Chernobyl ants

    • Orange stimulators

    • Hoppers

Size down a touch for the riffles, but don’t underestimate their size—big fish are still in play. The tributaries are especially fun with micro chubbies (sizes 14–16).

Nymphs? Never heard of him.

🎣 Guided Fly Fishing on the Salmon River

Our guided fly fishing trips on the Upper Salmon are heading out 7 days a week—and they’re producing excellent results! With a daily boat limit and popular dates booking quickly, now’s the time to lock in your spot.
Last-minute openings? Drop by the shop and ask about special within-24-hour deals on guided trips.

💬 “Why are your guided trips more expensive than the others?”

We get this question all the time—and here’s why:

  • 🐟 We operate the only fly shop in Stanley.
    That means up-to-the-minute knowledge of conditions and hatches every single day.

  • 🎣 We provide everything.
    High-quality rods, fresh flies, a riverside lunch, drinks, transportation, and more. Just show up—we’ll take care of the rest.

  • 💼 Professional, licensed, and fully insured guides.
    Not just great anglers, our guides are seasoned professionals. We also carry full vehicle and outfitter insurance for your safety and peace of mind.

  • 🌟 25 years of outstanding client care.
    Whether it’s a guided fly fishing trip, a Sawtooth Adventure Company day trip, or a 6-day all-inclusive journey down the Middle Fork or Main Salmon, you’ll receive the highest level of service in Idaho. That’s our promise—and our tradition.

If budget is your priority, there are cheaper options out there.
If experience and value are your priorities, give SFS a call. We’re confident our guides, service, and attention to detail will exceed your expectations—or your money back.