Idaho is blessed with 26,000 miles of streams and rivers, more than 3,000 natural lakes, and a quarter-million acres of ponds and reservoirs.
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.
Inhabiting Idaho’s waters are 42 game fish species, from giant white sturgeon to wild trout, catfish to kokanee, and smallmouth bass to salmon and steelhead.
Outfitter: HDRE1
Sturgeon Fishing in Hells Canyon from a Jet Boat
In Hells Canyon on the Snake River, anglers regularly catch sturgeon over 10 feet!
Depending on the size of the fish, the fight can sometimes last up 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.
In addition to amazing sturgeon fishing, you’ll probably catch a TON of smallmouth bass and see lots of wildlife.
Cory Glauner, co owner of OUTDOORS INTERNATIONAL with a nice Idaho sturgeon.
The smallmouth bass fishing in Hells Canyon is beyond terrific! Catching over 100 fish per day is commonplace. Wildlife seen along the river can include black bears, mule deer, whitetail, Wild turkeys, bighorn sheep, elk, Canada geese, bald and Golden eagles, ospreys, otters and more…
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.
- 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 can be just a day trip, but we suggest three days of fishing for the best experience.
Outfitter: IWC5
Fly fishing on Big Creek in the Frank Church Wilderness
This is an epic Idaho wilderness fly fishing trip for native Westslope cutthroat trout!
Enter the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness Area to start your fishing adventure!
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. 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.
Customize Your Frank Church Wilderness Fly 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 for black bear, wolves or chukar. Travel to high country or stay down 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.
Blue Ribbon fly fishing on Big Creek in Idaho.
- 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.
- This makes a great family vacation!
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.
Outfitter: BRG1
Salmon River Steelhead Fishing
This is a great Steelhead fishing trip for wild-run steelhead on the Salmon River in Idaho. The Salmon River has some of the best wilderness steelhead fishing in the lower 48!
A beautiful Idaho Salmon River steelhead!
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 two hatchery steelhead per day. *All native fish must 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.
Looking for a unique fishing vacation for the whole family?
Outfitter: IWC2
Flyfishing for Cutthroat Trout on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of the greatest fly fishing destinations in the world for wild Westslope Cutthroat.
You’ll be floating through the beautiful Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness Area.
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!
This is a five or six day, family friendly, wilderness float trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. We think this is the most comfortable and professional wilderness fly fishing float that Idaho has to offer.
- Amazing fly fishing for native cutthroat trout.
- This float would be a great corporate fishing trip or with a large group.
- You’re fishing adventure 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.
- Contact us for more information about this awesome adventure.
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.
