We start fishing for Steelhead as soon as the ice goes out in late February or early March, and we continue until Steelhead season closes on April 30th. We fish holes in the early part of the season then sight fish for them while they are spawning in April. Idaho allows you to keep hatchery raised Steelhead but we mostly practice catch and release. The decision to keep fish is up to you but once you reach your limit, you are no longer allowed to keep fishing for Steelhead.
Idaho has one of the longest runs of Salmon and Steelhead in the US. These large fish must travel about 800 miles each way to get from the ocean back to their spawning grounds here on the upper Salmon River. After the eggs hatch, steelhead smolt live the first year of their lives here on the upper reaches of the river. After they turn one year of age and during the spring runoff in May and June, they travel 800 miles downstream, cross 8 dams (4 on the Snake River and 4 on the Columbia) and enter the ocean near Portland OR. Depending on the strain of fish, they spend one or two years in the ocean then start to enter the river for their return migration in the fall. Many fish spend all winter on the lower reaches of the river then start moving as soon as the ice goes out. Most Steelhead are between 28 and 33 inches, but we do catch the occasional 38–40-inch fish.
By the time Steelhead season closes, the water gets high from the winter snow melt and usually lasts through June. In early July, we start fishing for trout. We welcome both fly fishermen and spin cast fishermen while floating along in the boat. We catch Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout and Idaho’s native, the White Fish. Whether you fish with a dry fly, nymphing or spin fishing, we usually do very well trout fishing in July and August.
Some years we get enough King Salmon back to the upper Salmon River to have a fishery. When this happens, we usually live on the river. Catching these large, hard fighting fish is something we live for. The seasons, when they happen, are usually in July and early August and can be sporadic but when it happens, we give it everything we have.
Lunch is provided on all drift boat trips but not lodging. We can provide rods, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Some people like to float but do not even fish. We are happy to accommodate folks who just want to float along and enjoy the scenery. If fishing is not your thing, we also offer paddle boats and inflatable kayaks. These splash and giggle trips are great for kids who may not be able to safely navigate large whitewater but want to learn to run an inflatable kayak or be a part of a crew on a paddle boat.
However you want to enjoy the Salmon River, we will do everything we can to accommodate you. Whether you are visiting specifically to catch fish, learn to kayak, bird watch or maybe visiting family and looking for a retreat, we are here to help.