FISHING REPORT 7/14/25

Howdy anglers,

Fishing has been fairly steady since our last report, with a few notable changes. First, we’re seeing more hoppers and slightly fewer stones and salmonflies. Big bugs are still working, but the effective silhouettes are starting to shift. Also, there was a pretty big blowout on Indian Creek on the Middle Fork last Thursday — it’s clearing up now, but plenty of fish likely pushed into the tributaries, which should be fishing quite well.

Salmon River:
The Salmonfly and Golden Stones are still here. We’re fishing the same bugs as last week — sizes 6, 8, and 10 in golden stone and salmonfly patterns. Chubby Chernobyls and Water Walkers are where it’s at right now, but we’ve got a few other great patterns in the shop too.

North of Stanley:
This stretch is fishing much better these days, with lots of hatchery rainbows and whitefish around. Keep your flies a bit smaller for these fish — size 14 and smaller. Nymphs work well for the whitefish.

Lakes:
The lakes around Stanley are producing nicely, with lots of stocked fish to be had. Woolly Buggers and balanced leeches during the day, then switch to small dries once they start to rise.

Alpine Lakes:
High-elevation lakes are fishing well too. Fish are sitting deeper during the day, so unless you’re there around sunset, stick to balanced leeches and Woolly Buggers. Add a split shot and jig the drop-offs. Once they move up in the water column, switch to terrestrials and mosquitos.

Middle Fork:
Our Rocky Mountain River Tour (rafttrips.com) guides came off the river last week reporting that the Middle Fork is fishing great. Water levels have dropped to more fishable flows and are running cold and clear. As mentioned, the big blowout at Indian Creek means the main river should be fished with bright-colored nymphs under an indicator, while the tributaries should be on fire — just downsize your bugs there: micro Chubbies, small Stimulators, caddis, etc. The top of the MFS is still seeing Salmonfly and Stonefly activity, while the middle and lower sections are starting to see and hear grasshoppers.

The Stanley Fly Shop is open 8-8, 7 days a week.  Drop in to pick up the essentials and book a full day trip on the Salmon with one of our young, energetic and wise-beyond-thier years guides.  Benjamin, McCopy and Hugh have been killin’ it lately.  Not only are they putting clients on BIG cuttys, but they are great people to spend a day on the Salmon.

Keep that tip up, and see ya downstream,

Joshua and the Stanley Fly Shop gang