1-800-635-5336 (208) 344-1881

Fly Fishing Trips on Idaho’s Salmon River

Fishing the Middle Fork of the Salmon through the heart of Idaho’s River of No Return Wilderness is truly a world-class experience.

#1 Fly Fishing Trip In Idaho

Expert fly fishers consider the Middle Fork of the Salmon to be one of the best Wild Westslope Cutthroat Trout fisheries in the world. Designated a “catch and release” river more than 40 years ago has protected this clear stream and its wild cutthroat population. There has never been a hatchery or nonnative fish introduced into this “Blue Ribbon” fishery. The wild nature of the cutthroat in this river is rare and found in only a few places in the world. The abundant cutthroat population insures success for even novice fishermen. On all sportsman adventures we have a two to one guest to guide ratio, with separate gear and kitchen boat. Start fishing early and go as late as you want each day. When you get to camp, your tent will be waiting along with all other camping amenities, insuring a comfortable rest before the next days sporting adventure!

Annual Trip Dates

  • Aug 1
  • Aug 9
  • Aug 17
  • Aug 25
  • Sep 2

Mackay’s trips book a year in advance, so if you do not find the date you like please call us – 800-635-5336.

Rate

Our Team

6 Day 5 Night

$4,200.00 per person

Group

4 Day 3 Night

$3,200.00 per person

Additional Information
  • Transportation

    Flights from Stanley, ID into the Middle Fork run $155.00 per person. Round Trip Flights from Stanley run $320.00 per person. Ground shuttle from the river take-out to Stanley is at no charge.

  • Fishing flies and rods

    Each fisherman is expected to bring his own rods and reels. If necessary, Mackay can arrange a rental set-up through a local fishing store in Stanley. Each fisherman will receive in his guest package 12 flies.

  • Fishing License Non-Resident

    Mackay will assist in arranging your non-resident daily license.

Not Included
  • Air transportation

    Air transportation from locations outside of Stanley, ID

  • Vehicle shuttles before or after your trip
  • Motel rooms before or after your trip

World-Class Fly Fishing

Step into some of the most remote and untouched waters in the lower 48, where the fish are wild, the scenery is jaw-dropping, and the experience is second to none. The Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers an angler’s paradise and is home to native Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Brook Trout, and Bull Trout, all in crystal-clear, free-flowing streams.

Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or just getting started, our expert guides will help you read the water and find the best spots to cast. With abundant fish populations and monster trout, these rivers deliver action-packed days and memories that last a lifetime.

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Riverside Camping and Gourmet Meals

After a rewarding day of casting into crystal-clear waters and chasing native Cutthroat Trout, you’ll pull into camp to find everything taken care of so you can unwind, swap fish stories, and take in the beauty of the backcountry. Our camps along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River are handpicked for their secluded charm, riverside views, and easy access to great fishing spots.

Your guides handle all the camp setup while you settle into the rhythm of river life. We provide spacious tents, comfortable sleeping pads, and a clean, well-organized camp that lets you recharge in comfort. As the sun sets and the river hums nearby, evenings become the perfect time to reflect on the day’s catches, sip on a cocktail, or simply enjoy the quiet.

When it comes to meals, each day features freshly prepared, hearty meals cooked right on the river. Wake up to hot breakfasts of homemade cinnamon rolls, taco salad for lunch, shrimp stuffed cream puffs at Hors D’oeuvres, and end the day with grilled salmon under the stars. Our guides are as skilled in the kitchen as they are on the river, and you’ll be impressed with every bite.

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Additional
Information

Fishing Information

Fishing the Middle Fork of the Salmon River through the heart of Idaho’s River of No Return Wilderness is truly a world-class experience. Expert fly fishers consider the Middle Fork of the Salmon to be one of the best wild cutthroat trout fisheries in the world.

Designated a “catch and release” river more than 50 years ago has protected this clear stream and the wild cutthroat trout population. There has never been any hatchery or nonnative fish introduced into this “Blue Ribbon” fishery. The wild nature of the Westslope Cutthroat in this river is rare and found in only a few places in the world. The abundant cutthroat population insures success for even the novice fisherman.

Suggested Fishing Equipment

Fly Rods: A six or seven weight rod, 8 to 9 feet in length is ideal. Some fishers like a second rod for days when casts are short and there is little or no wind. A 3 or 4 weight rod is a good second choice for those days.

Spin Caster: A short lightweight-spinning rod with 6 lb. test line works well.

Rod And Reel Cases: It is very important that all rods and reels be kept in hard cases when not in use.

Fly Line: A good weight forward or double tapered floating line, such as Cortland 444 SL or Scientific Anglers

Ultra 2 is recommended. Make sure your fly line matches your rod and reel.

Leaders: Tapered leaders approximately 9 feet long are best. We recommend 3X or 5X sizes.

Tippet Material: You should have a variety of tippet strengths. 4, 5, and 6 pound tippet material should suffice.

Flies: You should have a good selection of single barbless flies on hand. The following are some suggested

Patterns to consider:

* Elk Hair Caddis, Light and Dark. Sizes 10-14

* Elk Hair Hopper. Sizes 6-10

* Royal Wulff. Sizes 6-12

* Humpy, Red and Yellow. Sizes 6-8

* Joe’s Hopper. Sizes 6-12

* Stimulator, Orange, Yellow and Green. Sizes 6-12

* Chernobal Ants. Sizes 6-8

Lures: We recommend Panther Martins and Mepps. The guides will be happy to cut the barbs off your lures.

Miscellaneous Items: You will also need a hook file, nail clippers, fly floatant, and a pair of forceps or pliers.

Cancellation Information

Mackay purchases each guest a Travel Guard Essentials Trip Cancellation policy to cover your deposit and final payment if you cancel for a covered reason. Covered reasons are , but not limited to injury, sickness, death, work conflicts, and uninhabitable destination – forest fires, flooding.If you are not comfortable and feel you need to have a Cancel for Any Reason policy, you will be provided 50% coverage.  These reasons include but are not limited to change of mind, conflicting summer schedules, and school conflict. Mackay will purchase the policy and charge the additional expense of the Cancel For Any Reason add-on to your deposit. Keep in mind these policies only cover 50% of your deposit and trip final payment.

If you need to cancel your Mackay trip your Trip Cancellation Policy will be your coverage. Depending on your policy and reason for cancellation 50% to 100% of your trip will be covered by your Travel Guard policy. Note: For the 50% you must have opted for the Cancel For Any Reason policy at time of reservation.

Disclaimers *

Guests can opt out of the coverage but will be held responsible for any loses they incur due to cancellation. There is no trip discount associated with opting out of coverage.

  1. Guests who cancel their trip for a 100% covered “reason” will be expected to provide Travel Guard all the required documentation to support the claim. Failure to provide all required documents will void this policy guarantee.
  2. Your Travel Guard policy DOES NOT cover any other expenses other than deposits and final payments to Mackay Wilderness River Trips, Inc. Please purchase your airline coverage separately.
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