Idaho Fly Fishing Guides
Idaho Fly Fishing Guides
Idaho is one of the West’s hidden gems for fly fishing enthusiasts. We work with the best Idaho fly fishing guides who are looking forward to sharing this state’s incredibly beautiful, and nearly untouched trout waters. From casting dry flies to native cutthroat trout in the remote wilderness areas, to hauling in smallmouth bass in Hells Canyon, to fighting giant sturgeon on the Snake River…Idaho has the fishing trip you’re looking for.
Fishing Hotspots in Idaho
Most people think trout fishing when they think of Idaho, and it’s no wonder. This beautiful state has tons of great trout waters including, but not limited to Big Creek, Kelly Creek, Selway River, St. Joe River, and the South Fork of the Snake River.
Trip #IWC2
Middle Fork of the Salmon River
This is a five or six day, family friendly, wilderness float on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is a gem located in Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. The largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. It is an awe inspiring place to get away from your phone, computer, and the rest of the “real world”. This trip has been described as “life changing” by many of our clients.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the greatest fly fishing destinations for wild Westslope Cutthroat. Since the 1973 catch-and-release, single barbless hook policy, native trout populations have thrived on this world famous watershed. We regularly fish dry flies only for the entire float! You WILL catch fish!
- Amazing fly fishing for native cutthroat trout.
- This float would be a great corporate fishing trip or with a large group.
- You will be in the Frank Church Wilderness Area for the entire float.
- Everything supplied, just bring your personal items.
- Luxury primitive camping where you will soak in riverside hot springs along the river, and the gourmet river cuisine that will blow your mind.
The most comfortable and professional wilderness fly fishing in Idaho.
Trip #HDRE1
Hells Canyon
It’s not unusual to catch 8 foot sturgeon on this trip, but the lucky angler can land one over 10 feet, weighing more than 300 pounds!
Imagine you’re sturgeon fishing in Idaho with your friends, relaxing on the Snake River, enjoying the sights and sounds Hells Canyon has to offer…All of the sudden, the peace is shattered as your real begins to scream! A sturgeon has grabbed your bait and the fight is on!
Fighting a sturgeon just might be one of the most awesomely difficult things you’ve ever done!
Depending on the size of the fish (they can be OVER TEN FEET LONG), you can probably plan on a battle of close to 45 minutes. Often, the fight is so terrific that the angler is totally worn out by the time the fish is landed. Sturgeon fishing is a very physical experience! Remember your camera, because the picture of your behemoth river monster provides bragging rights, and many stories to be told over and over. Be sure you know how to take good fishing photos.
You should see lots of wildlife while you’re sturgeon fishing in Idaho. Plus, you’ll probably catch a TON of smallmouth bass!
Sturgeon fishing isn’t the only thing you’ll be doing on this trip…the smallmouth bass fishing is beyond terrific as anglers often catch over 100 fish per day. Wildlife is commonly seen along the river as well, and if you are lucky, you can see black bears, mule and whitetail deer, wild turkeys, bighorn sheep, elk, canada geese, bald and golden eagles, ospreys, and many more. This can be just a day trip, but we suggest three days of fishing for the best experience.
Hells Canyon is the deepest gorge in North America.
- Sturgeon, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, salmon and steelhead can all be caught, depending on the time of year. Check Idaho Fish and Game Regulations. *Sturgeon in Idaho cannot be kept, this is a catch and release fishery only.
- Smallmouth bass are incredibly numerous and persistent anglers can land over 100 per day.
It’s not just about the fishing.
- This is a relaxing trip, and makes for an amazing family vacation. Bring the kids sturgeon fishing in Idaho!
- The water is pleasantly warm and some areas are great for swimming such as the famous Sturgeon Rock. Water toys are available for children.
- When your not fighting river monsters, enjoy the scenery, fine wines and cold beer.
- You’ll see tons of wildlife and the scenery is breathtaking.
- All trips up and down the river will be in jet boats.
This is a relaxing trip, and makes for an amazing family vacation. Bring the kids!
Trip #IWC5
Big Creek – Frank Church Wilderness
This is an epic Idaho wilderness fly fishing trip!
Big Creek in the Frank Church Wilderness is Idaho’s premier Westslope cutthroat fishery….and that’s saying alot because this state has some incredible cutthroat fishing. Kelly Creek, the Lochsa River and the Selway River rank close behind in our opinion. Big Creek is the largest tributary of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, and one of the most remote locations in the lower 48.
This makes a great family vacation!
The beautiful Frank Church Wilderness Area in Central Idaho is an amazing place to explore with your family…and the fly fishing is off the charts!
You can fly fish or spin fish, but when you’re fishing on Big Creek, you must use single barbless hooks, and no live bait. We HIGHLY recommend fly fishing even if you’ve never done it before, the guides are happy to teach you.
- Difficulty: Since this water is nearly untouched, the fish aren’t picky. Whether you’re an experienced angler or you’re bringing your kids, everybody will catch fish. LOTS OF FISH!
- Species: Walk and wade fishing for native Westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, steelhead and whitefish.
- Fishing Season: August through early September.
- Wildlife Viewing: There are high numbers of wildlife in the area, including elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, wolves, black bears, and more. Add that to the off the charts fly fishing and you’re in for an amazing vacation!
- Accommodations: Depending on your preferences, lodging will vary from traditional wall tent camp to a light weight mobile horseback camp.
Wilderness Fish Camp
Complete with mature shade trees, nearby swimming hole and mud wrestling pit for the young and the young at heart. You will enjoy sandy beaches, endless miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, whether along Big Creek or high into the surrounding mountains. The camp is equipped with roomy wall tents, cots, wood stoves, lanterns, a complete cook tent with room for indoor dining if necessary.
Customize Your Wilderness Fishing Adventure!
We have unlimited options for your wilderness adventure. You can fly in to the backcountry airstrip, or be picked up with horses and mules at one of several trailheads. Stream fish, lake fish and trail ride. Base out of Fish Camp or enjoy a mobile camp. If you’re a hunter, make it a cast-and-blast trip. Travel to high country or stay near the water. You can customize your length of stay. Contact us to create an itinerary that suits you and we can provide you with a price for your custom trip.
Trip #BRG1
Salmon River
Steelhead fishing for wild-run steelhead on the Salmon River.
The Salmon River flows through a granite-walled canyon is one-fifth of a mile deeper than the Grand Canyon. In fact, for almost 180 miles, the Salmon River Canyon is more than one mile deep! Wild and hatchery steelhead enter the Salmon River in the fall and fish runs can greatly depend on the weather and water levels leading up to and in October. Fishing is most productive with gear fishing the deep pools and tail outs of runs. However fly fishing can also be done this time of year with a spey rod.
The wilderness section of river you will be fishing offers many runs to swing while wade fishing.
- Difficulty: Steelhead fishing isn’t easy, and success is never guaranteed.
- Fishing Season: All of October and November can be great fall steelhead fishing, but prime time is the last week of October through the 1st week in November.
- Limit: Limit is 2 hatchery steelhead per day. *All native fish must immediately be released.
- Gear: Both gear fishing and fly fishing trips are possible with this outfitter.
- Wilderness: The beauty and ruggedness of this wilderness area is stunning!
- Lodging: Accommodations are quality Outfitter tents.
- Food: Eat mouth watering home cooked meals prepared over the campfire.
The Salmon River has some of the best wilderness steelhead fishing in the lower 48!
Have questions?
We’re here to help, and our advice doesn’t cost you a thing.
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We had such an amazing time. We were going to go Salmon fishing in Hells Canyon, but the season closed just a couple days prior. We ended up fishing for smallmouth bass, and sturgeon. We brought home tons of bass fillets and caught several sturgeon. The largest sturgeon was just over 7’ long!! Do not hesitate to book a trip with this guide service! No one knows the river better then these guides! We would give them more stars if we could!
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Our fishing trip was amazing. Homer and his crew were fun, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. The views and fishing spots in Hells Canyon are unbelievable. Plus lunch was delicious. We had a blast. Can’t wait to go again next year!
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The experience of sight fishing the unbelievable numbers of huge rainbows is beyond compare. I’ll be back to Strobel Lake!
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Just getting back on the grid…chasing large trout on Limay, Collon Cura and related rivers in Patagonia! This was the trip of a lifetime. I caught 25+, 20″ trout for 2 days on the Limay River all on DRIES including a 29.5″ brownie. Totally absurd. Jessica crushed them as well. A+ trip. We’re working on the dates for another February trip.
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Thank you for putting together a great trip for my group. Everyone had a great time and mentioned numerous times that they would love a return trip. Your team of guides, transfer drivers and chefs was fantastic. The logistical planning that goes into making a great trip in Argentina looks near impossible and you show that it not only can be done, but done exceptionally well! The down side to that is that it makes me realize how pathetically easy we have it here in Montana!
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I have known Ron for many years. Ron is the consummate professional and someone I look up to and aspire to emulate. I have worked for him and had him work for me and he is a great guy and guide. He has been guiding for almost 30 years and has never lost his passion for guiding clients from all walks of life and I believe is one of the finest individuals I know. He builds custom trips for his clients based on their wants, needs and budget. The thing that impressed me the most about Ron’s operation is the network he has developed over twenty years of guiding Patagonia and the private access he has. Logistics are one of the toughest things to negotiate down there with limited public access and Ron has it all dialed. His guide staff is excellent as well. They are all well versed in English and there are not any communication problems.
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We had such an amazing time. We were going to go Salmon fishing in Hells Canyon, but the season closed just a couple days prior. We ended up fishing for smallmouth bass, and sturgeon. We brought home tons of bass fillets and caught several sturgeon. The largest sturgeon was just over 7’ long!! Do not hesitate to book a trip with this guide service! No one knows the river better then these guides! We would give them more stars if we could!
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Our fishing trip was amazing. Homer and his crew were fun, funny, and incredibly knowledgeable. The views and fishing spots in Hells Canyon are unbelievable. Plus lunch was delicious. We had a blast. Can’t wait to go again next year!
