Howdy Anglers,

As kids head back to school, the valley is starting to feel a little calmer. Mornings are crisp, but afternoons are still perfect for wet wading. Bug activity has slowed, so we’ve mostly been fishing hopper-dropper setups. Other terrestrials are working too, along with attractors and modest-sized streamers.

For my fellow trout spey fans (I know there aren’t many of us out there), this is an awesome time to swing soft hackles!

Salmon River

Pretty cut and dry right now, but fishing is still solid. Think terrestrials and attractors. Our guides continue to pick up fish on spruce moth patterns and tan elk hair caddis—even though the hatch has fizzled, the fish are still keyed in.

South of Stanley, water levels are dropping. Look for holding water and expect some stretches to be pretty thin on fish. You might start finding a few cutthroat above town this time of year—smaller flies (14 and down) will do better there. Nymphs for the whities, size 12 hoppers, and ants/beetles are good bets.

Lakes

The Stanley-area lakes are fishing really well. Lots of stocked fish still around. Woolly buggers and balanced leeches work great during the day; once fish start rising, switch to small dries. Mosquitos, micro chubbies, size 14 stimulators, ants, and beetles are all producing.

The hatchery is about finished stocking for the year, but folks are still finding plenty of fish and enjoying great days on the water.

Alpine Lakes

High-elevation lakes are in their prime—it’s one of the best times to be up there. Fish are holding deep most of the day, so balanced leeches or woolly buggers with split shot are the ticket. Work those drop-offs with a jigging motion.

Near sunset, fish will come up higher in the column, making terrestrials and mosquitos more effective—similar to what we’re seeing in the valley lakes.

Middle Fork

Our Rocky Mountain River Tours (rafttrips.com) guides report the Middle Fork has really turned on lately. Stick with Middle Fork classics: Chernobyl ants, orange stimulators, and hoppers.

I like to size down for the ribs, though big fish still lurk. Tributaries are fishing hot too—try micro chubbies in sizes 14–16. Streamers are also producing well at these flows.

⚠️ Reminder: Guided fishing operations wrap up on August 28th. If you’ve been thinking about booking, now’s the time! The fly shop will remain open after guide season with all the flies, gear, and advice you need.

See you on the water,
The Stanley Fly Shop Team