Middle Fork Salmon Idaho Recommendations

TillamookChinook · 03-23-2006, 08:09 PM

My wife has suggested we take a float trip down the middle fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. Sounds great to me.

I have done some internet research for guides, but figure the IFish board is an even better resource. This is probably a late May / June trip for trout fishing and scenery. A driftboat would be preferred, but raft OK.

Any thoughts and recommendations would be appreciated.

TC

KillerDave · 03-24-2006, 10:21 AM

Late May/June is run-off time. You'll have high flows. This is the preferred time for the whitewater junkies.

August & September has lower flows and the fishing is much better then.

I went with this outfit and they did a very good job:
http://www.middleforkexpeditions.com/

Pics: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...amp;uid=623942

TillamookChinook · 03-24-2006, 10:52 AM

Thanks, KD. Maybe we'll push our date back a little.

TC

bajadan2000 · 03-24-2006, 11:18 AM

I have run the middle fork twice, about 30 years ago in kayaks. Not sure a drift boat is a good choice for this river, however, it has been a long time so maybe things have changed. Are there any guides floating this river in drift boats?

It is a wonderful adventure. Have fun.

B-RUN STEELIE · 03-24-2006, 03:39 PM

There is one outfit that uses drift boats.. I'll look it up. This year the water will be high well into July. Thats a spendy trip if you go with an outfitter, but it is one of the most outstanding places on earth.

Mojo · 03-24-2006, 07:03 PM

Mark and Kristin Troy at Idaho Adventures. http://www.idahoadventures.com/ Mark used to manage the Middle Fork Lodge. Now they own their own rafting company, and have for 7 or 8 years.

I think taking a drift boat down the Middle Fork this year would be crazy, but that's just my opinion. Do the raft thing, and wait till July or August if fishing is your goal. If great scenery and white water is the goal, go early and hang on tight!

Can't go wrong either way...

Nate L · 03-24-2006, 07:37 PM

Here's another vote for MiddleForkExpeditions

The owner, Brad, is my brother-in-law's brother-in-law so there's a little bias there. Not to mention they are my only experience on the Middle Fork, but it was a great trip. Every day except the last we experienced over 100 degree temps which put the fishing off by noon, but it was still a blast. We went in July.

I imagine whoever you go with, you'll have a great time.

The Helfrich's run drift boats on the Middle Fork. Legendary name in the world of drift boating and they're from the Eugene/Springfield area.

Have fun

Tick Camper · 03-25-2006, 03:05 PM

I have made 2 trips down the middle fork in a drift boat as a row along with outfitter Steve Schaefer.

These trips were in August as that is when Steve's permit is for.

The fishing was fantastic, over 75 a day, the drift boats had far beter luck then the rubber rafts as we were able to hold position better.

I am not sure if he still does the drift boat trips but give him a call or email.

Schaefers Guide Service
PO Box 34
Vida, OR 97488

Phone: 541-896-3789
email: SGSFish@aol.com

TillamookChinook · 03-26-2006, 02:19 PM

Thanks for all the help and recommendations. We have made reservations for a 5-day trip in late August. The trip is with a mostly Nature Conservancy group.

I'll take lots of photos and post them after the trip. Who knows, maybe the ones I catch will be big this time.

TC