Activities

Fishing in Idaho on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Fisherman's Paradise

Fishing is blue ribbon on the Middle Fork and all the fish are natives. Special fishing regulations protect the Middle Fork—(catch-and- release, no live bait, single barbless hooks)—and help restore the fish population. Fishing is superb. An Idaho state fishing license is required and may be purchased in Stanley.

The Middle Fork is both good for the expert and novice fisherman. The expert fly fisherman will find floating and fishing Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon is a dream come true. The novice can use a spin rod and cast and catch to their heart’s content. The crystal clear waters of the Middle Fork Salmon are home to a high concentration of Rocky Mountain Cutthroat and Rainbow trout that tend to be very aggressive and fun to catch.

If you don’t own your own gear and want to try your hand at fly fishing, we have a couple of spin rods and reels available. Our crew will help you learn the basic skills, including casting and a few handy knots. You should purchase 12 - 24 flies and some leaders before your trip. If you plan on using a spin rod buy a packet of 6 spinners called the Mepps “Killer Kit”. You can buy flies and lures and other items at McCoy’s in Stanley, 208-774-3377. Hip and chest waders are not recommended. Wading shoes with felt soles are convenient, but tennis shoes will be fine.

Other Fishing Equipment

Eye protection is very important when fishing and polarized sunglasses for spotting fish through the reflective glare of water are great. A small fingernail clipper, or "angler's clipper," is necessary to cut leader material. Bring a pair of small needle nose pliers, or similar tool, for "debarbing" the hooks to make releasing fish easier.

Flies

McCoy's in Stanley is an outstanding shop and can help with licenses, flies, and other gear. Flies that work well on the Middle Fork include the following: Parachute Adams, Elkhair Caddis, Royal Coachmen, Royal Wulff, Yellow Humpy, Black Gnat, Stimulator, Sofa Pillow, Dave's Hopper and the Chernobyl Ant

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