Salt River Fishing Forecast
Star Valley freestone with native Snake River cutthroat and excellent fall brown trout fishing
Open year-round (check section regs)
Generally open year-round. Check WGFD regs for cutthroat-specific rules
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 5:37 PM
37°F
551 CFS
11 PM - 1 AM
Zebra Midge
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Quick Facts
Snake River Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout
freestone
36°F - 45°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Early hatches begin. Look for BWOs.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter lower sections. Limited access.
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Deep nymphing, Midges, Streamers |
| February | 33-40°F | Midges, Small nymphs, Deep pools |
| March(Now) | 36-45°F | BWO dries, Streamers, Early stonefly nymphs |
| April | 40-50°F | Skwala dries, BWO patterns, Streamers |
| May | 45-55°F | Mother's Day Caddis, Nymphing, Streamers |
| June | 50-60°F | Salmonfly dries, Golden Stones, PMDs |
| July | 55-68°F | PMDs, Hoppers, Caddis, Attractor dries |
| August | 55-70°F | Hoppers, Tricos, PMDs, Terrestrials |
| September | 48-58°F | BWOs, Streamers, Hoppers |
| October | 40-50°F | Streamers, BWOs, Egg patterns |
| November | 35-42°F | Streamers, Deep nymphs, Egg patterns |
| December | 32-38°F | Deep nymphs, Midges, Slow presentations |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Cutthroat Trout
Spawn months: May, June, July
Spring spawners. Timing varies by subspecies and elevation - coastal populations spawn earlier (Feb-Mar), inland populations later (May-July). Eggs develop for 6-7 weeks before hatching.
Access Points & Parking for Salt River
Star Valley
Valley access through the community.
Afton
Town access with services.
Grover
Upper valley access.
Periodic Spring
Access near the famous spring.
How to Fish Salt River: Tips & Tactics
The Salt River flows through Wyoming's Star Valley, offering excellent fishing for native Snake River cutthroat and brown trout in a beautiful mountain setting.
Best Times of Day
Summer offers the best fishing with diverse hatches. Fall brings aggressive browns. The valley provides easy access.
Recommended Techniques
Freestone techniques work well. Match the hatches. Small stream tactics in upper reaches.
Water Conditions
Star Valley is a scenic mountain valley. Clear water most of the season. Easy access from the valley road.
Fly Selection
Caddis and mayfly patterns. Hopper patterns in late summer. Streamers for brown trout.
Local Knowledge
Star Valley is a Mormon settlement with charming communities. The Periodic Spring is a unique geological feature. Native cutthroat are special.
Local Tips
Star Valley is a charming mountain community. Native cutthroat are special. The Periodic Spring is unique.
When is the Best Time to Fish Salt River?
Spring
Runoff can be challenging. Late spring fishing.
Summer
Prime season with hatches. Hopper fishing.
Fall
Brown trout become active. Excellent conditions.
Winter
Limited access. Some open water fishing.
Recommended Equipment for Salt River
Rod
9-foot, 4 or 5-weight.
Line
Floating line for most fishing.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 4X-5X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Cold mountain water.
Essential Flies
Salt River Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Wyoming Game and Fish.
Limits
Cutthroat regulations protect natives.
Special Regulations
Native cutthroat - handle carefully.
Bait Restrictions
Check current regulations.
Notes
Native Snake River cutthroat are a treasure.
Always verify current regulations with Wyoming fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Salt River
Local Fly Shops
- Star Valley Anglers
- Jackson Hole Fly Shop
- Snake River Angler
Guide Services
- Star Valley Guides
- Salt River Outfitters
- Wyoming Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 600 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Wyoming Trout Rivers
North Fork Shoshone
Green
Snake River
North Platte River
Firehole River
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