Home / Specialty Trips / Fly Fishing - Middle Fork of the Salmon Fish On! Fly Fishing – Middle Fork of the Salmon Length 6 days Meeting Point Salmon, ID Difficulty Class III+/IV Minimum Age 12+ years Fly Fishing – Middle Fork of the Salmon Trip Details Packing Guide Schedule & Pricing Starting at $4,500 per person. Fish On! Fishing on the one and only Middle Fork of the Salmon The Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is one of the most iconic wilderness river adventures in the United States — and often considered one of the best multi-day rafting trips in the world. How could you possibly improve on such a vacation? Dedicate the trip to fishing. You will experience the same thrills, exceptional wilderness & breathtaking views the Middle Fork of the Salmon has to offer, mixed with boats, guides, and equipment dedicated to the art of catching fish (and then releasing them). This trip launches from Salmon, Idaho. From Salmon, we make our way into the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness–the largest roadless wilderness area in the lower 48. The Middle Fork Salmon is all river — no cell signal, no cars, just the sound of whitewater, canyon walls, and wilderness. The Middle Fork flows free and clear, dropping over 3,000 feet in elevation as it carves its way through rugged granite canyons. Between rapids, the river mellows, and the fishing truly shines. Many of the days are packed with some of the best fishing the West has to offer. Most ponds, riffles, and eddies offer plenty of places to hook a fish. For those who take a moment and appreciate the views, the canyon is absolutely stunning: towering cliffs, pine-covered slopes, and open alpine meadows. Campsites are pristine and riverside, offering quiet star-filled nights and the smell of woodsmoke and pine. Join us on a fishing adventure like no other. Known For World Class Fishing Group Size 12 In a Word Fish-On! Included Round trip transportation from the meeting point and return (including flight into the canyon ), camping gear including 3" thick comfortable sleeping pads, and tents; all taxes and hidden fees What to Bring See packing guide Scroll to View Map Download Map Trip Details A downloadable pdf of these trip details (along with more information about what to expect on your trip) can be found below. If you still have questions, please feel free to call us (209-962-7873) or email us (arta@arta.org). We love to talk about our trips! Getting There Itinerary What's Provided On The River Getting to the Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho 201 Riverfront Drive, Salmon, ID 83467 Meeting Location: Stagecoach Inn in Salmon, ID – 201 Riverfront Drive, Salmon, ID 83467 Meeting Time: 8:00 pm the evening before your trip begins for a pre-trip orientation meeting. Return: We will shuttle the group back to Salmon, ID on the final day. Anticipated arrival time is 4:00 pm. Get Directions Where to Stay: Stagecoach Inn (Salmon Idaho) Before Your Arrival Gem Air provides round trip flights from Boise to Salmon, advanced reservations are required. Fly Fishing Itinerary Subject to change due to flows Day Before Your Trip We’ll meet you at 8:00 pm the evening before the trip begins at the Stagecoach Inn (208)-766-2919 in on highway 93 in Salmon Idaho. The Stagecoach is located at the north end of town, just across the bridge over the salmon river. At the pre-trip meeting we will give you your waterproof bags, go over equipment and packing procedures and answer any last minute questions. Day 1 We will meet the first morning at the Stagecoach Inn in Salmon. You will be transported to the airport and then hop on a quick flight into the canyon. After a short safety and orientation briefing, we will launch around noon. Day 2-5 A typical day on the Middle Fork starts with coffee and a hearty breakfast before we pack our bags and load onto the rafts. We will float an average of 15 – 18 miles (5 – 6 hours) each day, stopping for a picnic lunch. The goal of this trip is to maximize our on-water time for fishing. There are opportunities for short hikes, soaking in hot springs, or exploring a historical site. But you’ll probably be too busy catching fish. Camp will be made in the late afternoon. Day 6 (Final Day) An early morning prepares us for some of the Middle Fork’s biggest rapids as we finish the Impassible Canyon and float on to our take out at the confluence with the Main Salmon. Here we’ll say goodbye to the river and load the bus for the drive to Salmon, anticipated arrival time in Salmon is around 3 pm. What's Included on your fishing trip We Will Provide Round Trip Transportation to Salmon, ID All meals from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day. Waterproof bags, lifejackets, and other specialized equipment for the trip. 3" thick, comfortable "paco pad style" sleeping pads for each guest. 2 person tents. Camp chair, plate, eating utensils and mug. Friendly, entertaining and professional guide service. All taxes and government access fees. All fishing equipment needed to rip lips!(See Packing Guide) What you are responsible for Idaho Fishing License (See Packing Guide) Transportation to Salmon ID (before your trip). Meals and lodging before and after your trip Personal clothing and other miscellaneous items (see equipment list) Sleeping bag (can be rented from ARTA – see equipment list) Soda, wine, alcoholic beverages (see below) Fishing Equipment (If you want to bring your own) Guides gratuities (see below) Fly Fishing FAQs What Types of Boats Are Used on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? What Is the Fishing Like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? What wildlife will I see on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? What is the weather like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? What Meals and Drinks Are Included on Middle Fork Salmon Trips? Are There Attractions Near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Do I Need Travel Insurance for This Trip? Should I Tip My Guide? What Types of Boats Are Used on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Fishing rafts Custom-designed to fish your heart out, fishing rafts are 14 feet long, light, and nimble. With two anglers in each boat. Most days, we will set a slower pace to spend as much time fishing as possible. Sweep boat Our custom designed Sweep Boat is over 20′ long, captained by one to two guides, with no passengers. These amazing crafts are specific to the Middle Fork, they carry the lions share of the overnight gear and travel with the river, ahead of the group each day to set up camp before everyone arrives. The Sweep helps our passenger rafts stay light and nimble, and allows us to make the most out of each day knowing when the group arrives to camp each day the bulk of the heavy lifting has been taken care of and folks can relax and further enjoy what camp life has to offer. What Is the Fishing Like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? The fishing along the Middle Fork is excellent, with an abundance of 12 – 16 inch cutthroat trout. This is a “catch and release” river, so only single, barbless hooks are allowed, and all fish must be released alive. Poles should be protected in sturdy cases, and only a small amount of tackle is needed. Dry flies (Caddis, Grasshoppers, and Irresistibles) and small spinners (Mepps, Panther Martins) work well. A great setup is the “Hopper Dropper”. A large chernobly ant or grasshopper with a nymph tied to a good depth does wonders on this river. Duracell jigs have been doing exceptionally well recently. You do not need waders or nets (we have nets). You must have a valid Idaho State Fishing License. Which you can buy HERE. Fishing gear, licenses, and good advice are available from the Salmon River Fly Box in Salmon, 208-752-7151 What wildlife will I see on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? On the Middle Fork Salmon it is common to see otters, deer, and bighorn sheep as well as osprey, eagles, and other birds of prey. We will be traveling through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and visiting the home of a variety of wild animals. What is the weather like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? The weather in the Middle Fork of the Salmon canyon is usually mild and temperate; however, rain, in the form of afternoon thunderstorms, can be encountered at any time during the season. We strongly recommend good rain protection for both day and night. The weather in the mountains of Idaho is difficult to predict; we have encountered hailstorms in August and heatwaves in June, so please read the equipment list and come well prepared for a variety of conditions. What Meals and Drinks Are Included on Middle Fork Salmon Trips? All meals are included from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, along with water, sports drinks, and morning coffee, tea, and cocoa. Soda, beer, wine, and liquor are bring-your-own, and we provide the coolers and ice. ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Are There Attractions Near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Within a day’s drive of Stanley are Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as Sun Valley resort and numerous western guest ranches. Do I Need Travel Insurance for This Trip? Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Should I Tip My Guide? If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 15 and 20 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew. Fly Fishing FAQs What Types of Boats Are Used on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? What Types of Boats Are Used on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Fishing rafts Custom-designed to fish your heart out, fishing rafts are 14 feet long, light, and nimble. With two anglers in each boat. Most days, we will set a slower pace to spend as much time fishing as possible. Sweep boat Our custom designed Sweep Boat is over 20′ long, captained by one to two guides, with no passengers. These amazing crafts are specific to the Middle Fork, they carry the lions share of the overnight gear and travel with the river, ahead of the group each day to set up camp before everyone arrives. The Sweep helps our passenger rafts stay light and nimble, and allows us to make the most out of each day knowing when the group arrives to camp each day the bulk of the heavy lifting has been taken care of and folks can relax and further enjoy what camp life has to offer. What Is the Fishing Like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? What Is the Fishing Like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? The fishing along the Middle Fork is excellent, with an abundance of 12 – 16 inch cutthroat trout. This is a “catch and release” river, so only single, barbless hooks are allowed, and all fish must be released alive. Poles should be protected in sturdy cases, and only a small amount of tackle is needed. Dry flies (Caddis, Grasshoppers, and Irresistibles) and small spinners (Mepps, Panther Martins) work well. A great setup is the “Hopper Dropper”. A large chernobly ant or grasshopper with a nymph tied to a good depth does wonders on this river. Duracell jigs have been doing exceptionally well recently. You do not need waders or nets (we have nets). You must have a valid Idaho State Fishing License. Which you can buy HERE. Fishing gear, licenses, and good advice are available from the Salmon River Fly Box in Salmon, 208-752-7151 What wildlife will I see on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? What wildlife will I see on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? On the Middle Fork Salmon it is common to see otters, deer, and bighorn sheep as well as osprey, eagles, and other birds of prey. We will be traveling through the heart of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and visiting the home of a variety of wild animals. What is the weather like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? What is the weather like on the Middle Fork of the Salmon? The weather in the Middle Fork of the Salmon canyon is usually mild and temperate; however, rain, in the form of afternoon thunderstorms, can be encountered at any time during the season. We strongly recommend good rain protection for both day and night. The weather in the mountains of Idaho is difficult to predict; we have encountered hailstorms in August and heatwaves in June, so please read the equipment list and come well prepared for a variety of conditions. What Meals and Drinks Are Included on Middle Fork Salmon Trips? What Meals and Drinks Are Included on Middle Fork Salmon Trips? All meals are included from lunch on the first day through lunch on the last day, along with water, sports drinks, and morning coffee, tea, and cocoa. Soda, beer, wine, and liquor are bring-your-own, and we provide the coolers and ice. ARTA meals are AMAZING! Guests are often shocked at how wonderful our meals are in a back-country setting. We bring the highest quality ice chests to keep meats, fruits and veggies fresh for the duration of the trip. Meals are designed for foodies (adults) and the occasional picky eater (kids!) alike. Guests can expect to start each day with fresh coffee and well-balanced breakfast, snacks are available throughout the day in the rafts, lunch is prepared riverside with many options, and appetizers are served to kick off the dinner hour early-evening with our main courses and desert to wrap up each day. We are happy to accommodate special dietary request/requirements. Please let us know in your pre-trip registration. We provide water, sports drink powder during the day, and hot coffee, tea, and cocoa in the morning. If you would like soda, beer, wine, or liquor at camp, please bring your own and we will have coolers/ice for you! Please bring beer/soda in cans, we can accommodate wine and liquor in glass bottles. Please bring what you plan to consume. Are There Attractions Near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Are There Attractions Near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River? Within a day’s drive of Stanley are Glacier, Yellowstone, and Grand Teton National Parks, as well as Sun Valley resort and numerous western guest ranches. Do I Need Travel Insurance for This Trip? Do I Need Travel Insurance for This Trip? Because life is full of surprises, we suggest you consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for your trip. Trip cancellation, evacuation, baggage loss and other coverages are available for between 8% and 15% of your trip cost. You can get more information through ASI Travel Insurance Services (please select American River Touring Association from the drop down menu). Should I Tip My Guide? Should I Tip My Guide? If you truly enjoy your trip, tipping is a great way to show your appreciation. Tipping is optional and personal, but since a lot of people ask, a customary amount is between 15 and 20 percent of the trip cost. Tips can be given to the Lead Guide who will share them with the entire crew.