Well it most likely wasn't the wisest choice during this COVID-19 panadamic, but I was able to escape with my daughter for a 6 day - 5 night Float down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.
We ended up going with Middle Fork Adventures - great group of folks.
www.middleforkadventures.com
This purpose of the trip was not fishing - it was for the Whitewater, the outdoor experience, and spending time with my daughter. But of course I was did bring the fly rod & fish for about 90 minutes each morning and then often at lunch & then for an hour or so in the evening at camp. On day four of the trip I was able to fish from a supply boat for the day while my daughter went off and spent the day on a "Duckie" which was kind of an inflatable kayak. Having that day to fish was fun but I did prefer spending my time in the paddle raft hitting the rapids
.
Westslope Cutties are the primary fish in the Middle Fork, there are a few Rainbows and Bulls available as well - but it is a Cutthroat fishery. Typical size is around 9-10 inches, caught a few in the 13-14 inch range. Not much in terms of fight but a few of them were brightly colored and you just couldn't beat the scenery and just being in such majestic and beautiful area it was HEAVEN for me. The fish weren't difficult to fool, a decent Stone Fly hatch was occuring so a small rubber legged Stimulator or Renegade on top did the job. I did catch a few on a Red Copper John on a dropper and the first day I did try some streamer fishing on a sink tip - no lover there - so stuck to the basics of all fly fishing - big, fluffy, boant, dry flies on a floating line was the ticket, the basic, non-technical and IMHO the basic foundation of fly fishing itself.
Fish:
Rapids:
View attachment MF5_6438.JPG
Scenery:
View attachment MF5_6541.JPG
Good Times:
Peach
We ended up going with Middle Fork Adventures - great group of folks.
Middle Fork Salmon River Rafting | Middle Fork Adventures | Idaho
Middle Fork Adventures is your gateway to the premier American river rafting trip, The Middle Fork of the Salmon River, perfect for beginners, families and experts alike. 100 miles of wilderness, hot springs, hiking, luxury camping, kayaking and family fun.
www.middleforkadventures.com
This purpose of the trip was not fishing - it was for the Whitewater, the outdoor experience, and spending time with my daughter. But of course I was did bring the fly rod & fish for about 90 minutes each morning and then often at lunch & then for an hour or so in the evening at camp. On day four of the trip I was able to fish from a supply boat for the day while my daughter went off and spent the day on a "Duckie" which was kind of an inflatable kayak. Having that day to fish was fun but I did prefer spending my time in the paddle raft hitting the rapids
.Westslope Cutties are the primary fish in the Middle Fork, there are a few Rainbows and Bulls available as well - but it is a Cutthroat fishery. Typical size is around 9-10 inches, caught a few in the 13-14 inch range. Not much in terms of fight but a few of them were brightly colored and you just couldn't beat the scenery and just being in such majestic and beautiful area it was HEAVEN for me. The fish weren't difficult to fool, a decent Stone Fly hatch was occuring so a small rubber legged Stimulator or Renegade on top did the job. I did catch a few on a Red Copper John on a dropper and the first day I did try some streamer fishing on a sink tip - no lover there - so stuck to the basics of all fly fishing - big, fluffy, boant, dry flies on a floating line was the ticket, the basic, non-technical and IMHO the basic foundation of fly fishing itself.
Fish:
Rapids:
View attachment MF5_6438.JPG
Scenery:
View attachment MF5_6541.JPG
Good Times:
Peach
