[Riverman]

I've been fishing for over 50-years in the Smoky Mountains, NC and VA.

I've never been out west, so I want to plan a fishing trip for next summer.

I've caught and released lots of fish in my many years of fishing, so catching fish will not be my main priority at all.

I want to go on the most scenic float trip out west... I hear Henry's Fork is good, but what's the best scenic float trip a guy can take?

Don't be shy... let me know. (got any pictures?)

Thanks

 

[Joepa]

If you're looking for the "most scenic float trip out west" and fishing isn't a priority, then you may want to consider posting in other forums too. I've done some spectacularly scenic floats but then I'm sure there are many others I haven't considered because of the fishing opportunities (or lack thereof) that most would consider more scenic. Also, I guess it depends on what you consider scenic (desert vs. rainforest, presence of wildlife, degree of solitude, etc). For me, it’s hard to beat some of our desert rivers in the fall.

 

[martyg]

As Joepa said - lots to choose from - too much in fact.

For classics and a variety of terrain / scenery the Middle fork of the Salmon is hard to beat. You start in sub-alpine and go into desert over a six day period. Check out Adventure Sun Valley. Brad pays his guys the best, so he gets the top guides. I used to guide for him and he runs a tight ship with top food & gear.

 

[J Wood]

My vote would be for the South Fork of the Flathead above Spotted Bear. Great scenery and fishing along with solitude for the most part. The middle fork of the Flathead out of Shaffer Meadows is another good one that combines views and fishing.

 

[Don Freeman]

don't discount the Rogue either.

 

[slim]

If you are looking for a multi-day trip and are an experienced rafter, one of the most scenic rivers I can think of is the Selway River in Idaho which is also a somewhat decent fishery. The float is available by lottery permit until July 31st when it becomes open to everyone.

http://www.recreation.gov/permits/S...actCode=NRSO&parkId=75535&topTabIndex=Permits

 

[J Wood]

Yeah, the Rogue is a classic float. Beautiful canyon. Here's a photo of me and my buddy shooting Rainie Falls. It looks photoshopped but there actually was a huge salmon jumping up through the falls when we were coming down.

 

[FLGator]

Grand Canyon

 

[Kent Lufkin]

There's too many variables in your question for a definitive answer. Are you planning on a DIY self-guided trip or do you intend to use an outfitter? How long do you plan to spend on the water? What's your skill level in dealing with serious whitewater? Do you want to fish for trout or is your heart set on fishing for steelhead? The answer to all these questions will help narrow down your choices and alternatives.

In terms of sheer beauty, it'd be hard to top Montana's Smith River in May or June.

K

 

[Stewart]

The Blackfoot is pretty sweet and it would be a shame to float it without a fly rod.

 

[J Wood]

Hard draw for those Smith permits. The fishing can be pretty dang good on that river as well as the beauty.

 

[fredaevans]

don't discount the Rogue either.

Have to agree, the 'wild and scenic' section of the Rogue is quite something else. Only way in/out is via raft; save for one place (Agness) there are NO roads of any kind. Another to toss into the mix would be the 'fly only' section of the North Umpqua.
fae

 

[Tom House]

Smith River, Montana.
A lottery controlled river but if you're lucky enough its a knock out for scenery.

TC

 

[Circle Spey]

My vote would be the Middle Fork of the Salmon, it is also a lottery but for days of no roads is worth it.

 

[hookedonthefly]

No question, the MF Salmon...just not at 8.6 ft.

 

[Nick Clayton]

If scenerey is important, and you've never been out west, I'd throw a vote out there for the olympic peninsula, specifically the Hoh or even the Sol Duc. Can't compete with most of the suggestiosn fishing wise, but rainforest is something everyone should experience if given the chance. Breathtakingly beautiful out there. Says me anyhow.

 

[Mark Conner]

Just got back last week from 6 weeks drfit boating and rafting rivers in Wa. Or. Id. & Mt. Did the Yakima, Lower Deschutes, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Big Hole, Madison, Yellowstone, North Fork Flathead and the Middle Fork Salmon. Preferred the Upper Big Hole above Wise River. Why the Big Hole? Serenity and the the friendliest fly fishing habitat of them all.

 

[Brazda]

All great choices, add the Jefferson from Cardwell to Sapington bridge for a day float. Whitehall Montana. Very majestic canyon walls.

 

[surfnsully]

Any river with few people. The upper Blackfoot and Bitterroot are beautiful but my favorite is the Upper McKenzie in Oregon.

Enjoy wherever you go!