Fishing the Middle Fork Salmon River

Fishing the Middle Fork Salmon River and Fly Fishing Middle Fork of the Salmon

The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the premier fishing rivers in the Continental U.S. for native cutthroat and rainbow trout. The water is crystal clear, the fish are aggressive and the size of the fish are all outstanding. The Middle Fork is a classic dry fly fishery. Consequently, we encourage most of our guests to fly fish. Even the novice angler stands an excellent chance of landing significant numbers of fish each day. Because the Middle Fork is a prolific fly fishing river, it is an outstanding place to introduce the young or novice angler to the sport. Our guides are all avid fishers and take pleasure in teaching the beginner all facets of fly fishing.

Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon is best from early July through September. Fish will range in size from 10-21 inches with the average fish being in the 12 to 15 inch range. During the course of the trip, an experienced angler able to place a fly gently next to cliffs, rocks and other holding water should hope to catch a few fish in the 16-18 inch range and an occasional 20-21 inch Dolly Varden. Assuming that the fish cooperate a little, it is not uncommon for the skilled angler to frequently catch more than 50 trout in a day.

Our guests can fish from our oar boats during the day and from shore at lunch or at camp. The number of people who want to fish will determine how much time is available in each oar boat each day. We typically take 2-3 oar boats on each trip and 2 fishers in the front and 2 in the back is the maximum for comfort and safety. You will always be able to have a spot in the oar boat for at least half a day each day, but may need to take a turn in the paddle boat or inflatable kayaks to allow someone else a turn in the oar boat. Waders are not necessary with the exception of our Fall trips. A net is handy during any part of the season. We offer a fly rod rental package through a local fly shop, Idaho Angler. A package includes fly rod, case, 10 flies, floatant and extra leader for $95. You can reserve the rod by contacting us and we will arrange to have it ready for you. Idaho Angler is conviently located in Boise for rod pick ups and extra flie purchases, etc. If you would like to view and print a list of our suggested flies and equipment, please click here: Fly Fishing Check List

For the serious anglers who want to come on the Middle Fork for the ultimate fishing trip, we offer private chartered fishing boats. Two anglers and one guide will have their own fishing boat and will be able to set their own pace, explore side streams and have an excellent fishing adventure. Private boats are available for charter on ANY of our launch dates for $700 per person with a minimum of 2 people ($1400 additional total for 2).

We also offer Fall specialty Trips. The fishing is excellent in September and our first September trip is an exclusive fly fishing trip. We also offer cast and blast trips in the later part of September, call for details.