What flow is good for the Salmon River?
What each cfs band actually fishes like, from 185 up to unwadeable — and what the gauge is reading right now.
About 500 to 750 cfs is the best all-round flow on the Salmon River: fish move, they hold in more places, and anglers spread out.
185 to 335 cfs is low and clear and fishes well at first light. Above roughly 1,800 cfs the river is high and hard to wade safely — that is a day to stay out.
The Salmon River is a controlled river. Flow comes from scheduled releases at the Lighthouse Hill reservoir plus whatever rain the watershed gives you, which means the number can change overnight and the fishing changes with it. The gauge everyone quotes is the USGS gauge at Pineville, and it is the one reading above.
A number on its own is not an answer, though. 600 cfs on a falling limb after a rain, with fish pushing up, is a different day from 600 cfs in the third dry week of a low September. The bands below are how we read the number from five minutes upstream; today’s report is where we say what it means for today specifically.
The bands
One thing worth saying plainly: the direction of the number matters as much as the number. Fish move on a rise. The day after a bump — flow coming off the peak, water starting to clear — is the most reliable window on this river, and it is why we publish the seven-day look-ahead rather than just today’s reading.
Common questions
What flow is good for the Salmon River?
Around 500 to 750 cfs is the best all-round flow: fish move, they hold in more places, and anglers spread out over more water. 185 to 335 cfs is low and clear and fishes well at first light with light leaders. Above roughly 1,800 cfs the river is high and hard to wade safely.
What is the minimum flow on the Salmon River?
The licence sets minimum baseflows: 185 cfs from 1 May to 30 August, 335 cfs from 1 September to 31 December, and 285 cfs from 1 January to 30 April. The 1 September step up to 335 depends on the Salmon River Reservoir being high enough, and it was delayed in 2025. Whitewater releases run at 750 cfs, which locals call one gate.
Where do I check the Salmon River flow?
The USGS gauge at Pineville is the number everyone quotes, and it is the one we read on this site. Our report page shows it live with a plain-language read on what it means for the day, and the scheduled releases are published by the dam operator.
Is high water good or bad for salmon fishing?
A rise is good, sustained high water is hard. A bump in flow moves fish upstream and freshens the run, which is why the day after a release or a heavy rain is often excellent. Staying at 1,500 cfs for a week is a different problem: the fish are in there, but you cannot get to them safely.
How long after a release does the fishing improve?
Usually within a day. Fish move on the rise and then settle, so the tail of a bump — flow coming off a peak, water clearing — is a reliable window.
What flow is dangerous to wade?
Treat anything over about 1,200 cfs as a serious wading decision and anything over 1,800 cfs as a day to stay out of the water. Cold water and a heavy push are what actually hurt people on this river.
Flow, crowds and what it means, every morning
Free. We will tell you when it is not worth the drive.