Deadwater ice jam is out

The Deadwater ice jam on the Upper Salmon River had opened by the morning of Tuesday.

Anglers can expect the river to remain muddy in the areas below Deadwater for a day or two before conditions improve. Weather conditions may also affect river visibility, and with the ice jam opening so early this year, there is still potential for cold weather to cause re-freezing in some areas. 

Anglers with questions regarding current conditions can call the IDFG Salmon Region office at (208) 756-2271.

Additionally, IDFG boat ramps at North Fork and Bobcat Gulch are currently unusable due to the shore ice left behind by the ice jam. All other ramps from 4th of July Creek upstream to Ellis are open. 

Ramps affected by ice will be cleared within a few weeks, once we are certain the ice jam will not re-form. Boat anglers should check the current conditions of any ramps they plan to use in advance and use caution, as river conditions can change rapidly with ice dams forming and large floating pieces of ice causing hazards. 

Drivers traveling downstream on the North Fork can expect rock and debris on the road, along with slick conditions in shaded areas.

— Idaho Department of Fish and Game