Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of Idaho's Salmon River
Join us for a life-changing fishing trip on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River, known as America's premier Blue Ribbon westslope cutthroat trout fishery. Few fly-fishing trips can compare to this wild beauty that boasts 100 miles of free-flowing river through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area. With its 2.3 million protected acres, the Frank Church is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. High in the Rocky Mountains of Idaho, cast your fly into gin-clear riffles and deep transparent-green pools. These 5-6 day Salmon River fly fishing adventures are catch-and-release trips and typically offered from late-August through late-September.
Originating 20 miles northwest of Stanley, Idaho, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River flows 106 miles through one of America's premier Blue Ribbon fisheries before flowing into the Main Salmon River. Located in the Wilderness, there are no roads and few signs of humans making this one of the finest wilderness fly fishing trips in the country.
ROW's experienced guides will help you catch your fill of wild Idaho trout. Fish generally range from 10" to 22". The uniquely remote nature of a trip means there is not a lot of fishing pressure, and some of the fish you hook may have never seen an artificial presentation. Late August and September are great months for fishing because temperatures and water levels are low and the fish are active as they seek to gain weight for winter.
There's more to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River than just fishing and if you bring a partner not as keen on fishing as you, they will find plenty to love. As we float the river, we rest at beautiful, isolated camping spots. There are plenty of hiking trails, natural hot springs and cultural sites along the way. We can hike from camp and fish, visit a Native American pictograph site or pioneer homestead, or just relax and rest up for the following day of fly fishing. A 5 or 6-day Middle Fork wilderness fishing adventure is unlike any other in the West.
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Itinerary
Day 0
Arrive in Salmon, Idaho
ROW has been operating trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon since 1989 and based on our historical data, we know that on most years we have to start flying in to Indian Creek by July 30 as the water gets too low to boat the first 23 miles from Boundary Creek to Indian Creek. Since our fishing trips are in late August and September, we meet you in Salmon, Idaho. Learn more in Packing + Trip Details section that explains these logistics. You can also read our blog on Middle Fork flows for more information.
Plan to arrive in Salmon by 7:00 pm MST. You meet ROW's team leader at the Stagecoach Inn for an orientation meeting to answer last minute questions and give you waterproof bags for your gear. Dinner on your own.
Day 1
Let the Fishing Begin!
Meet your group of anglers early morning for a scenic flight from Salmon, Idaho to our put-in at Indian Creek. Landing at an elevation of about 4600’, the fresh air is scented with pine. But you’ll be drawn like a nail to a magnet to the crystal clear waters flowing by your feet.
Before we launch we have a safety orientation as there are rapids on this trip. We board either rafts or drift boats, depending on water levels and availability. In no time your line will be laid out across the water with cutthroat chasing your fly. We spend the day in glorious mountain scenery, casting, contemplating and wondering if life can get any better than this.
We aim to arrive in camp by 4 o’clockish so you have time to stretch your legs and if you want, cast into the river near camp or any nearby tributary. Hors d’oeuvres are served around 6:00 and dinner around 7:00. Dark nights invite a warm campfire and tales of the day.
Day 2
Fish, Rapids, Indian Rock Art, and Pioneer Homesteads
We awake around 7:00am and enjoy fresh-brewed coffee. Breakfast is served and you pack up your personal gear. The boats are loaded and we depart from camp around 9:30 for an adventure-packed day of rapids, nibbles, bites and nets, magnificent scenery and fun.
The Middle Fork has a rich legacy of history including Native American rock art and during the trip we usually stop at one or two of these sites to give honor to the people that lived on these lands for thousands of years.
Today, and most days, offer a chance to see John Muir’s favorite bird, the American Dipper, a small gray bird that uses its strong grip to walk along the river bottom eating insects, and builds its nest above fast-flowing water.
We'll have plenty of fun rapids as the river continues its quick descent. We make camp around 4:00pm and enjoy hiking, more fishing or just relaxing. After dinner the night sky welcomes stargazers and, later on, the river lulls you to sleep.
Day 3
Fishing, Floating, Exploring and Hot Springs
The river canyon opens up a bit more and as we drop elevation, nights become warmer. Slopes are dotted with ponderosa pine interspersed with sage, mountain mahogany and near the river, alder, willow and grasses. The crystal waters carry us swiftly along as the river channel widens and narrows, its path defined by rocks and cliffs.
Your technique may be challenged in some of the deeper pools. Typically, people reel in 20-50 fish a day on the Middle Fork. When your casting arm tires, learn the saga of Charlie Norton, a man of nerve. By later-afternoon camp welcomes us and we settle into a now-familiar routine. The night sky, crackling campfire and fresh mountain air will help you sleep like a baby.
Day 4
Deep Canyons, Rapids, Feisty Fish
Today offers another great time as we float through one of the most spectacular river canyons on earth. We may see big horn sheep that come to the river’s edge to visit mineral licks. The fishing is bountiful and sometimes we hook into Rocky Mountain whitefish, bull trout, rainbows or cutbows.
Soaring above are golden eagles and falcons. We may stop at the hot spring at Hospital Bar, so named because early cattlemen let their stock rest and feed at this large flat and easy ford across the river. We visit Tappan Ranch, where Red and Daisey Paulsen-Tappen grazed cattle, nurtured a bountiful garden and raised their family in the 1920’s and 30’s.
Continuing on we run the Tappan rapids and exciting Tappan Falls. The last few miles to camp offer a chance to lean back and take in the monumental scenery of the River of No Return Wilderness.
Day 5
Cutthroat Trout, Waterfall Creek, Veil Falls and Haystack Rapids
Haystack Rapid just below the Flying B Ranch is filled with giant boulders and is a slow-moving sensation of a rapid. In the past 20 years a couple of side creek “blow outs” have changed this rapid. Just below it the river narrows decidedly, and a series of deep pools and rapids mark the afternoon. Once we reach Survey Camp, we’re at the beginning of Impassable Canyon where the Middle Fork of the Salmon has cut into the biggest monolithic formation of granite in North America – the Idaho batholith. Some find the scenery reminiscent of Yosemite, but here the river rather than glaciers has carved the canyon.
From camp you gaze up on steep canyon walls living inside one of the world’s most wondrous scenes of natural art. Around the campfire tonight, tales of fish and future trips are likely to spin.
Day 6
Last Casts, Whitewater, Confluence with the Main Salmon, Take Out
We float past the tiny cabin of Earl Parrot, known as the Hermit of Impassable Canyon. His story was chronicled by National Geographic in the 1930’s and adds another dimension to your Middle Fork experience. We float beneath neck-bending views of sky-piercing rock walls.
Our last lunch is a few miles above the Middle Fork's confluence with the Main Salmon. We continue to the takeout at Cache Bar, carry personal gear to the waiting bus, and settle back for a two-hour ride to the town of Salmon and the Stagecoach Inn.
Day 7
Return Home or Extend Your Stay
Book your return flight home, or extend your stay and explore more of beautiful Idaho!
ROW is proud to be an Equal Opportunity recreation service provider and employer under permit from Salmon, Payette, Boise and Challis National Forests. All our operations and facilities are operated on a non-disciminatory basis. ROW Inc. is bonded and licensed by the State of Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board.
Dates & Rates
| Dates | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2024 to Sep 05, 2024 6-day | $4,180£0€0$0$0 | $4,180£0€0$0$0 |
| Sep 10, 2024 to Sep 15, 2024 6-day | $4,180£0€0$0$0 | $4,180£0€0$0$0 |
| Sep 17, 2024 to Sep 22, 2024 6-day | $4,180£0€0$0$0 | $4,180£0€0$0$0 |
Supplementary Information
6-Day Fishing Trip 2024
- Departures: August 31, September 10 and 17
- Price: $4180
6-Day Private Fishing Trip 2024
- Private Trip Rate = $50,160
- August 31, September 10 and 17
- Maximum group size of 12
*Please note that prices are based on 2 fishers per raft or boat.
Included:
- Services of our talented adventure consultants and professional guides
- All meals/beverages as indicated in the itinerary (including beer and wine)
- All rafting and camping gear,
- Transportation to and from river meeting points
- Fly fishing instruction and guidance as desired and needed
Not Included:
- Airfare/transportation beginning and ending points
- Rod, reel, and flies
- Fishing waiters, boots, and other personal gear
- Gratuities travel protection plan
- Pre-& post-trip hotel (ROW will make the reservations for you)
- Items of a personal nature
- Indian Creek flights (if required)
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