Middle Fork Salmon River Fishing in Idaho
Blue Ribbon Trout Fishing on the Middle Fork Salmon River in Idaho
The Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the original Wild and Scenic Rivers and a nationally-recognized Blue Ribbon trout fishery. Flowing through the largest federally protected wilderness in the continental U.S., the Middle Fork offers rugged and varied terrain and some of the best catch & release fly fishing in the country. Travel through pine-clad mountains, rolling grasslands, and narrow gorges with our experienced fishing guides.
Although the whitewater on Idaho’s Salmon River may be world-renowned, simply put, the trout fishing on the Middle Fork Salmon River is superb and offers some of the best dry fly cutthroat fishing in Idaho. Skilled anglers might expect to catch upwards of 40 fish per day! The population of this unique strain of west slope cutthroat was almost destroyed by the end of the 1960s. A catch-and-release regulation was then imposed, and that, along with the very limited access to the river and little angling pressure, has resulted in waters loaded with fish. Twelve- to fourteen-inchers are common, with an occasional sixteen-to eighteen-inch or larger trophy. Rainbow trout and native bull trout also frequent the Middle Fork, though less commonly than cutthroat. Single barbless hooks are required, and no bait is allowed. The ease of dry fly fishing, combined with unsurpassed wilderness and abundant wildlife, makes for the Idaho fishing trip of a lifetime!
Trip Highlights
What to Expect
Itinerary & Map
Itinerary at a Glance
We pride ourselves in running a relaxed and flexible schedule. Every Middle Fork Salmon Fishing Trip is different depending upon the group, other trips on the water, camp locations, and sometimes the weather. The following is a sample of what your trip might be like:
The Day Before Your Trip
The evening before your trip, we’ll meet in Salmon, ID for a pre-trip orientation. This is an opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and trip leader, and ask any last-minute questions.
Day 1
We’ll depart Salmon for the airport and board an early charter flight to the Thomas Creek airstrip. You’ll be greeted at the river by your guides and given a brief safety talk before taking to the pure waters of the breathtaking Middle Fork.
Fishing opportunities today range from streamside casting in the pristine waters of the side creeks, fishing from the boats as you travel down the main river corridor, and finishing the day with waders at camp. And if that’s not enough, we may stop at Hospital Bar hot springs for a soak and then run several Class II and all four Class III Tappan Rapids.
Catch a few last fish before heading back to camp. We’ll tuck into a hearty meal prepared hot and fresh by the guides and enjoy a cold beer or beverage before climbing into our tents.
Day 2
From early morning until dark, the fishing just keeps getting better. We stop to see ancient pictographs and fish the deep pools above Aparejo Point. We may anchor and fish the smooth glassy water above the Flying B Ranch or stop at Warm Springs Creek for a short hike to another hot soak. Don’t forget to hold on—Haystack and Jack Creek are some of the rapids we’ll encounter. In the afternoon, we’ll pull into camp, unload and set up. But don’t worry. There will be ample time to explore the area and drop a few flies into the current before another delicious hot meal.
Day 3
Unbelievable is how most people will describe this day. We encounter breathtaking scenery, great fishing opportunities, and a flurry of Class III-III+ rapids. We may stop to hike and fish Big Creek or continue float fishing down Impassable Canyon, with its steep granite walls and deep pools. It’s a great day to get acquainted with one of Idaho’s protected bull trout.
Days 4 – 5
The wet rides aren’t over yet. Rapids like Rubber, Hancock, and Devil’s Tooth are sure to put a drop or two of water in the boat. From here on out, the river is characterized by smooth, deep pools providing cover for big fish.
Our journey downstream takes us to more hot springs, alcoves decorated with Sheepeater Indian pictographs, and magnificent Veil Falls, a unique waterfall that plummets freely into a natural amphitheater from a high rock overhang.
Day 6
As we near the confluence with the Main Salmon, large rainbow trout are often found in the pools and runs. Casting throughout the last few hours of our float is often productive and may land the largest fish of the trip. A beautiful drive back to Salmon, and we say our goodbyes with a few laughs and a toast to new friends and the many beautiful trout hooked along the way.
Meeting Time & Place
Location
Salmon, ID
Meeting time
7 PM, the evening before your trip
Return
Approximately 4 – 6 PM to Salmon, ID
Trip Map
Dates & Prices
| 2026 Departures | Price |
|---|---|
| September 5 | $4,199 |
| September 23 | $4,199 |
Deposit
$1000
Additional Costs
• Flight package from Boise
• $4 per day Recreation Enhancement Act Fee
The Need-to-Know Info
Trip Details
Included in Your Trip Cost
Not Included in Your Trip Cost
- Transportation to and from Salmon
- Fishinq equipment, including rods, reels and flies or lures
- Pre- and post-trip accommodations and meals
- Insurance of any kind, including a travel protection plan
- Gratuities
On our Middle Fork fishing departures, we bring oar rafts. They provide a sturdy and maneuverable fishing platform, are rowed by one of our experienced fishing guides, and carry two guests. Many of the oar rafts are outfitted with a raised rear seat, allowing a good vantage for fishing. Passengers in the front and back of the raft are able to fish on either side.
Learn more about the OARS Fleet of boats.
After each active day on the river, we pull ashore to camp for the night. Our first task is to unload the boats using a fire-line of crew and guests to expedite the process. Individuals then collect their waterproof bags and locate an area on the beach to camp for the night.
While you put up your tent, the guides will set up the kitchen and central dining/seating area with camp chairs. They will also locate a secluded area away from camp to set up the portable toilet, where privacy is assured.
As guides prepare dinner, hors d’oeuvres are served. This is an opportunity to relax, enjoy a drink if you wish, and reflect on the day with your fellow traveling companions.
In the morning, the first wake-up call lets you know that coffee, hot water for tea or cocoa, juice, fresh fruit, and cold cereal are ready. You can fill your mug and grab a bite, then begin to pack up your personal belongings and sleep gear as the guides prepare breakfast.
After breakfast, the entire camp is broken down and packed up. Once the guides have all of the gear loaded back onto the boats, we’ll head downstream to see what new adventures await us.
More info about Meals & Dietary Restrictions can be found on our Trip Resources page.
Average Air & Water Temperatures
| Air (Day) °F | Air (Night) °F | Water °F | |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 50-95 | 35-60 | 55-65 |
Whitewater
While the Middle Fork of the Salmon is rated a Class III-IV river, especially during spring high water, our end-of-season fishing trips are more about clear cold pools and stopping at fishy riffles than whitewater. Guests on fishing trips experience 65 miles of this glorious waterway and several Class III rapids. As the trip progresses, tributaries add to the main river, constantly increasing the flow. This changes the river’s character from a big creek into a fairly wide river. The timing of our fishing trips usually means the river is at lower levels, making it more accessible for anglers and easy to fish while in the rafts.
Learn more about whitewater rafting levels and classifications to help you choose the right adventure for your experience, comfort and skill level.
Before booking your trip with OARS, there are a few important considerations we’d like you to know about.
Reservations and Payments
A $1000/person deposit is required at the time of booking, with final payment due 90 days before departure. Accounts on which final payment has not been received by the final balance due date are subject to cancellation.
Payments can be made by check, money order, eCheck, wire transfer, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. Prices are in US Dollars, and all payments must be made in US Dollars. Payment of the deposit establishes your acceptance of our complete Terms and Conditions. Your payment is fully refundable for 7 days, less a 3% processing fee, after making a reservation when you reserve a trip 7 days or more prior to the final payment due date.
Cancellations and Refunds
Canceling your trip after your deposit is processed will incur cancellation fees because OARS has absorbed costs on your behalf, and will turn others away who would like to book the spaces we’re holding for you. Individual departures and trip capacity are strictly limited by the managing agency. If you must cancel your reservation after the rescission period described above, your cancellation fee will be determined according to the schedule below.
Cancellations made 90 days or more prior to your trip start date will incur a $500/person fee.
Cancellations made 89 days or less prior to your trip start date will not be eligible for trip credits or refunds.
We regret that we cannot make exceptions to the cancellation policy for any reason, including foul weather, poor air quality, wildfire activity, acts of terrorism, civil unrest, or personal emergencies. For these reasons, we strongly urge you to purchase a travel protection plan.
| Date of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| 90 or more days before your trip | $500/person |
| 89 days or less before your trip | Full fare |
Please note that different deposit/cancellation policies may apply for charter groups. Refer to the group organizer’s confirmation email for details.
Canceled Trips
OARS reserves the right to cancel any trip due to insufficient registration or other factors that make the trip impractical to operate. In such instances, we will inform you at least 45 days prior to departure. Do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until you have verified with OARS that your trip is confirmed.
If a trip must be canceled or postponed due to force majeure (factors outside the control of OARS), OARS will provide full credit for payments made toward future travel, or a refund less the initial deposit amount and any non-refundable payments made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers. OARS will make good faith efforts to recover deposits made on your behalf to 3rd-party suppliers; however, we cannot guarantee recovery of any or all of the advance payments made. OARS is not responsible for expenses incurred by participants in preparation for a canceled trip.
Transfers
If you need to move your reservation to a different trip during the same season or to a credit account for the following year, there is a $150/person fee up until 120 days before departure for a one-time transfer of your payment. Transfer requests made 119 days or less before departure will be treated like a cancellation according to the schedule above.
O.A.R.S. Dories, Inc. is operated under special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest
Ancestral Lands Acknowledgement
We respect and recognize that many of the river canyons on state and federal lands where we operate are the ancestral homes of indigenous communities. Where we operate on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River between Big Loon Creek and the confluence of the Middle Fork and Main Salmon Rivers, we acknowledge the territories of the Nimiipuu, Shoshone-Bannock, and Lemhi-Shoshone.
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