Activities

Fishing in Idaho on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

September Fishing Dates

For the September Fishing dates, all trips are designed for 2 fishermen/boat so both can cast from the boat. Usually the water is too low to use our drift boats so we bring 17′ Maravia Rubber Oar boats which have rotating seats attached to the rafts. We bring a maximum of 6 fishing boats/trip or 12 fishermen. We bring along our large sweep gear raft so the fishing boats are super light and easy to get to those fishing holes. We pack sack lunches in the morning so you can make the most of your day fishing as much as you want. You will have 10-15 mile stretch of river each day and can do some wade fishing if you are up for it. We recommend everyone bring along felt boots and fishing wader pants that you can fish with or use as your rainpant bottoms to stay extra dry in September, which can have cold or sunny weather.

Fisherman’s Paradise

Rainbow Trout on the Middle Fork Salmon RiverFishing 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.

Fishing on the Middle Fork Salmon RiverIf 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

Fishing Testimonials

” We wanted to let you know that Michael and I had a wonderful trip with your guides on the Middle Fork of the Salmon 9/10-9/16/2011. The experience far exceeded our expectations and it will remain a highlight of all our fishing and adventure experiences.

I would first like to complement and commend you on your professional, warm, and friendly staff. Kate was a real gem and was a great leader for the crew. Mark was a perfect guide and a great cook which we found so easy to talk and share experiences with. Scott Jernigan was an extremely hard worker and had everything set up at camp upon our arrival. It was amazing to see him take off in the mornings with his huge craft. Bev and Larry were both extremely knowledgeable and great on the oars leading right to the spots where we could hook up quickly. Your staff is extremely accomplished and courteous.

When we met up with the second phase of fishermen and guides (Al, Casey, & Patrick) we all quickly became comfortable with each other and the “Margarita night” was a great catalyst to become better acquainted and more comfortable. The meals/food were top notch and it is hard to believe that anyone could deliver such a fine experience in the midst of the wilderness.

Again we commend you on your staff for the wonderful service and experience you have afforded us.”

Dawn Hewitt, Treasurer, White Mt. Fly Fishing Club
Sept 10-16, 2011 Fishing Adventure
e-mailed to MFRE 9/25/11

” James – We had an incredible trip. The weather was unusually warm (no complaints). The guides were again excellent. I liked the bag lunch for the flexibility it provided. I also liked the extra day because we weren’t pushing so much. A couple of times we stopped and fished riffles and bends from the bank and had a blast.

This is my fourth fishing trip with MFRE in 3 years and this was the best, but I got to say they were all amazing. You are so lucky to have guides that are so knowledgable about fishing and also fun to be around. This trip is good for the novice or expert fishermen. You could get a complete beginner on the river and in 7 days they are going to be an accomplished fisherman with all of the skills learned from the guides. You can also feel comfortable approaching the guides with in-depth conversations about the river, hatches, or questions you may have if you are an expert fisherman. I think I caught well over 400 fish on these 7 days, my biggest was 18′, but most were in the 12′ variety. This trip really does have it all in spades.

One thing I’d recommended to fishing gear is a stripping basket. I can go into the reasons why and what I’d recommend. It makes fishing out of the raft much easier.

Thanks again for an amazing week. I can help you with some marketing ideas of getting more people out there with you in this amazing fishery in the largest wilderness in the US if you would like I would be happy to help you.”

Jeff Wood
Sept 10-16, 2011 Fishing Adventure
e-mailed to MFRE Oct 4, 2011