Idaho and Oregon
Idaho Fishing – Salmon River
For Salmon and Steelhead
by drift boat
Salmon, Trout, & Steelhead Fishing Trips
- Drift boat fishing is our specialty. Enjoy padded seats with back rests, and an umbrella and heater if conditions get harsh.
- Standard drift fishing gear and lunch are provided on day trips. Fly fishing gear is not provided, but may be brought by guests.
- We accommodate2-3 people per boat.
- 1-6 day trips are available. In the fall these can be combined with chukar hunting.
- Our custom trips are why people likeCecil Andrus fish with us.
Idaho: Salmon River
Each spring and fall, salmon and steelhead journey up the Salmon River. The chasm they must make passage through is the second deepest in North America. It is jaw-dropping beautiful.
Salmon enter our waters in late April, but are not here in force until May and June. This is when we fish for them. They are huge and fight hard. It is like grabbing a bolt of lightning and trying to reel it in.
Follow the salmon and steelhead progress:
www.psmfc.org/pittag/ & http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/fishdata/home.asp
Oregon: Grande Ronde River
Spring and Fall is best for trout and steelhead fishing. Rainbows from 2-4 pounds, and steelhead from 6-12 pounds, can be expected.
This river is also a quintessential fly fishing mecca for steelheading in the fall. Late October/November is prime time for serious fly fishermen seeking ironsides with their surface flies. This is when water levels are low enough to facilitate spot and stalk fishing. While we do not teach beginner fly fishing; we do offer pattern suggestions, fine tune you to where fish are holding, and show you some helpful ways to fish our waters.
Spring steelhead are a little more lethargic than fall fish, but hardly enough to notice. Fly fishing is still good, as well as drifting.
If you would rather see more wildlife while you fish, come in the spring. On some trips, we have seen bald eagles, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep all in the same day.
Note: There are more fall fish in the road section of the Grande Ronde from Troy down, but far more people. We prefer less fish (but still plenty) and fewer people. Thus, we float the upper and more remote portion of the river. It is harder to access, but has less traffic and contains more elbow room. This is the blissful place for catching fish in unfettered solitude.
Adult Fish Counts:
http://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/HistFishTwo_7day-ytd_Adults.htm
Blog Posts:
Give us a call.
PHONE 208-628-3523