Lemhi River

About Lemhi River

The Lemhi River runs sixty miles from its headwaters near Leadore to its confluence with the Salmon River at the town of Salmon. This is a classic Western freestone river, carving its way through the Lemhi Valley between the Lemhi Range to the west and the Bitterroot Range to the east. From the upper reaches, expect faster water, riffles, and pocket water carved into gravel and rock. As you move downstream, the river broadens, and the current slows, creating deeper runs and wider pools, especially as it approaches Salmon. Much of the mainstem is influenced by irrigation diversions, meaning tributaries can be disconnected, but the main river still carries good flow. Access is generally good, with pull-offs along Highway 28 and county roads providing access to the riverbanks. You can wade most sections, especially in lower water years, but a boat can be useful for covering more water and reaching deeper channels. Look for cutthroat, rainbow, and bull trout holding in the seams of faster water, behind boulders, and in the deeper pools. Mountain whitefish are also abundant and provide a good fight. The Lemhi River supports a healthy population of cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and bull trout. You'll also find plenty of mountain whitefish. This river is known for its terrestrial fishing in the summer months, with hoppers and beetles providing explosive surface action. During spring and fall, look for hatches of stoneflies and caddis. Midges and smaller mayflies like BWO's will also be present throughout the season. When fishing for trout, start with attractor patterns like Stimulators or large Elk Hair Caddis fished on top. If the fish are looking up, a hopper-dropper rig is hard to beat, with a large hopper trailed by a smaller beadhead nymph like a Prince or Hare's Ear. For subsurface action, try streamers like Clousers or Sculpin patterns in the deeper pools and along undercut banks, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Wade anglers and boaters alike will find success here. Remember to give other anglers space and be aware of your surroundings, especially when wading in faster water.