Species Guides: Reports, Conditions & Resources
Our species guides cover the trout, salmon, and other gamefish you will target across the western United States, with the flies, water, and tactics that work for each. Use these species guides to understand what you are chasing before you step into the river.
Trout and char
Read up on rainbow, brown, cutthroat, brook, and lake trout — each holds in different water and responds to different presentations through the season.
Salmon and steelhead
Anadromous fish like steelhead and Chinook salmon demand heavier gear and a different mindset. Whatever you target, we cross-check USGS Water Data for live flows before any trip and confirm regulations, which are often species-specific.
What to bring
A 9-foot 5-weight rod, a floating line, 4X to 5X leaders, and a box covering mayflies, caddis, stoneflies, midges, and a few terrestrials handle most western trout situations. Add split shot and indicators for nymphing, a couple of streamers, polarized sunglasses, and waders for the season, and always confirm local regulations and licensing before you fish.
Explore our hatch guides, river fishing reports, and current conditions to build your plan.