Hailey Idaho

Information
Like many western towns, Hailey came into being during the gold rush of the mid 1860’s, attracting speculators, adventurers and roust-a-bouts. While much of the city’s past is kept alive by its Historic Preservation Commission, as indicated by its substantial list of National Registry Homes, the town is now a small gem with a sophisticated palate and yen for the visual and performing arts. Located east of the Smoky Mountains, often referred to as Idaho’s “forgotten mountain range,” the town is also known for its scenic beauty and year round, outdoor activities.
 
idaho-river-map

Friedman Airport is the airport of choice for both public and private flyers coming to Sun Valley to ski, fish or just have fun. Festivals and events take place throughout the summer and winter months, including an Arbor Day celebration, fiddler competitions, world-class skateboarding contests, antique fairs, and the Rough and Tumble, July 4th Rodeo. Its most unusual claim to fame may be the Sun Valley Bike Festival where cyclists race as they drag burning logs behind their bikes.
 
Once you arrive, whatever lodging you decide upon, and there is a plethora of choices, you will not be far from great fly fishing. The Big Wood River and Silver Creek are a stone’s throw away. In addition to myriad streams, there is Little Wood, Trail Creek, the Big Lost, Magic Reservoir, Mackay Reservoir, the Salmon River and the South Fork Boise to explore.  For those who prefer cold mountain lakes, the list to pick from is long and inviting. For the truly dedicated and hardy, some of Wood River’s best fishing takes place in the winter months. What’s your reward for withstanding the cold?  Hopefully, plump 14 to 18 inch rainbow trout.
 
Trips
The Snake River is one of the most cherished streams in the world of fly fishing. As a permitted outfitter in Grand Teton National Park and Bridger Teton National Forest, Snake River ... moreAngler offers mores sections of the river than any other outfitter in the region. Snake River full day trips occur on eight sections of river within Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and parcels under the authority of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These are considered amongst the most beautiful sections of river on which we guide, with majestic views of the Teton Range, the Gros Ventre Range, and Snake River Canyon. Well over 95 percent of the trout on this river are native Snake River Fine-Spotted Cutthroat trout and Yellowstone Cutthroat trout. The Snake River is considered to have the strongest population of Native Cutthroat left in the Rocky Mountain West.
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
  • Best of both worlds. Spend half of each day fly fishing in drift boats and the other whitewater rafting, hiking and exploring.
  • Best family getaway! Disconnect from technology, reconnect with family and friends.
  • Deluxe camps complete with full size tents, cots, hot showers and family style dining.
Trip Details The Middle Fork of the Salmon truly has it all! Wonderful fishing, exciting whitewater Hot Springs on the Middle Fork Salmonrafting, natural hot springs, vast geologic ... moreand anthropologic history, a plethora of hiking trails, amazing scenery, wildlife and more! We don’t want you to have to choose between any of these fun activities; we want you to experience all of them! The combination fishing and rafting trip on the Middle Fork is the perfect way get the best of everything.

Fun Ride in a Drift BoatWith this option, guests will spend half of each day fly-fishing and floating in one of our comfortable and maneuverable drift boats and then spend the other half relaxing on the couch like seat of a big oar raft or taking on the waves in an inflatable kayak or paddle raft. The Middle Fork of the Salmon offers world-class fly fishing opportunities with approximately 2,400 native Rainbow and Westslope Cutthroat Trout per mile. This was the first ever catch-and-release stream in the country and has been protected as the crown jewel of the West for trout fishing. Our drift boats are built to provide the perfect fly-fishing platform to access the fish and to fish directly from the boat. When riding in the rafts there is more time to stop and explore the historical sites, hot springs, or go for a hike along the way.

The canyon scenery of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is truly breathtaking.Rafting on the Middle Fork Salmon River On this 100-mile stretch of the Frank Church Wilderness, we float through the heart of the largest wilderness area in the continental United States and drop 3,000 feet in elevation. Each day on this exciting river adventure is unique in activities and scenery, the abundance of which makes the combination trip the most popular option for guests who want to experience it all.

Each individual person in your group can choose to further customize their trip between the fishing, rafting or the combination options. Please contact us for more details regarding such customizations.

River Accommodations

Camping with Helfrich Outfitters on the Middle Fork is better labeled as ‘Glamping’, or glamorous camping, because of the deluxe accommodations that are provided at every campsite. Upon arriving in camp each afternoon, guests can expect everything to be set up and ready for them to enjoy. Each of our spacious tents accommodates 2 guests with comfortable cots and air pads for sleeping. The site is equipped with dining tables, lounge chairs, a hot shower, warm water wash station, hand washing facilities, a privacy toilet, ice and cocktail table, and a complete kitchen.

When guests arrive in camp they can pick a tent, grab a cold drink, munch on appetizers, relax and enjoy activities around camp. Each trip is focused on the customer’s interests and guides are available to lead activities by request.

The afternoons and evenings provide plenty of time for additional fishing, swimming, hiking, artifact hunting, photography, playing games, soaking in hot springs, reading a good book with toes in the water or just relaxing and watching the river float by.

The gourmet food on the Middle Fork makes this trip even more inviting. All meals are prepared in Dutch ovens and on the barbeque over open coals. Fresh baked Dutch oven breads, made from scratch, are prepared each day along with top quality meats and fish. Each meal is accompanied by plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Duel entree dinners and a wide variety of side dishes provide great options at each meal. If there is any room left in ones stomach after the evening’s premier event, a delightful dessert is sure to follow.

Riverside lunches of freshly made salads, fresh fruits and rich sandwich spreads are prepared each day on a shaded river bank. Lunch stops are a great time to relax in a lounge chair in the shade, go for a swim, lay out for a sun tan, read a good book or explore the surrounding area.
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
  • The ultimate sporting combination! Steelhead fishing and hunting for chucker partridge.
  • Ride down the river in style and class in our classic McKenzie River style drift boats.
  • Beautiful desert canyons provide breathtaking scenery and great upland game bird habitat.
  • All inclusive.
Trip Details The Salmon River in Idaho is the largest free-flowing river in the lower 48 states. Our trip takes us through one of the deepest river gorges in North America and traverses ... more73 miles of river through three states; starting in Idaho, passing along the Oregon border and ending in the state of Washington. We float 55 miles through the rugged Salmon River Gorge to join the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Our drift boat guides competently navigate “The Slide,” “Eye of the Needle” and “Bodacious Bounce” - whitewater rapids that characterize the wilder side of the Salmon Canyon. From the confluence of these two majestic rivers, the Salmon and the Snake, we float the last 18 miles of our journey to take-out. Our fall trips offer both fishing and bird hunting on the Main Salmon and Cast and Blast Main Salmon Idahocan definitely be described as action-packed. Our trips are customized for our guests and can be more focused on fishing, hunting or both. We break camp and hit the river early each day to take advantage of consistently spectacular fishing for smallmouth bass, trout, and steelhead. With two fishermen in each drift boat, our guides travel through whitewater and find the quality fishing spots. Each of our professional guides are expert fishermen who provide equipment and helpful instruction with a personal touch to make each boat ride fun and unique. The camaraderie between our guests and the guides that develops over the five day trips enhances the trip immeasurably. Upland game bird hunting on these trips brings an additional dimension to this fishing trip. The Main Salmon Canyon is known for healthy populations of Chuckar and Hungarian Partridge. These fast-flying birds provide the ultimate challenge to upland bird hunters. Since the terrain can be rugged, drift boats provide ready access. Spend your day fishing until you spot or hear the birds, pull over for a hunt and go back to fishing. There is never a boring moment.

Watching and listening for Chuckars and Partridge as we float allows us to maximize the potential for a successful hunt. Hunting dogs assist in flushing and retrieving the birds as well and most of our guides have well trained hunting dogs who accompany us on the trips. Often termed “cast and blast,” our combination fall fishing and bird hunting excursions provides not just variety, but an excellent opportunity to engage in two of your favorite pastimes during the same trip.

Aren't much of a hunter? No problem! All of our trips are customized for our guests and these trips can be all fishing focused. The amazing scenery of this canyon provides an experience in itself. Add in the fun fishing, top quality camps and gourmet food and you are guaranteed a wonderful river experience!

River Accomidations

Each day, our camp gear and luggage are taken ahead where camps are completely set up before our guests arrive late in the day. Tents, cots, and sleeping pads are provided, as well as a portable toilet, hot shower and washing facility. Dining tables and chairs are set up for meals and our guides double as chefs. They are as skillful using a Dutch Oven and barbecue as they are in a drift boat. The meals are varied and delicious with a variety of meats, breads, and fresh fruits and vegetables each day.

Beyond the Banks

Hunting out of camp is a popular activity on these cast & blast trips. Hiking from camp in the mornings and evenings can prove worth it with a shot at a Turkey, Chuckar, Quail or other small game species.

Notes

Additional required 3% BLM use fee

Trips are available from the opening date of chuckar season through the middle of October. Price includes all necessary fishing equipment, meals, full camp set up, BLM use fees and professional guides. A minimum of 8 guests required per trip. Combined group trips are possible for smaller parties. 
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
  • Expert Guide
Clearwater River Company offers a top quality service and we are the #1 recommended Spey/Fly Guide Service on the river. It's easy for others to claim they're the best, LET US PROVE ... moreIT! We are your Spey and Fly Fishing specialists.

All of our trips include a full day on the water, rods, reels, flies and a great lunch. All trips are taken on clean, quite, comfortable drift boats. We let our clients WALK-N-WADE!!! We have the vehicle shuttle ran while we're on the water, so there is never any time wasted moving vehicles.

All of our steelhead fishing guides are full-time professionals with years of experience on the Clearwater. Our Spey guides will meet each client's needs and exceed expectations. Clearwater River Company has some of the best Spey Guides on the river.
  • Prices are all-inclusive.
  • Each boat is fully equipped with lifejackets
  • Each fishing boat is equip with all necessary fishing rods, tackle and flies
  • Raft trips with groups of 6 or more have the option of a paddle raft.
Trip Details Fishing the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with Helfrich River Outfitters is truly the trip of a lifetime. The river that has it all, the Middle Fork of the Salmon possesses ... moreamazing beauty, wonderful fishing, natural hot springs, vast geologic and anthropologic history, and great hiking opportunities. Our six-day, five-night Middle Fork of excursion, guests will experience daily changes in scenery as the river winds its way through granite canyons, dropping three thousand feet in elevation. Each day offers its own unique beauty with the last two days spent in the third deepest canyon in North America, Impassible Canyon. The sheer, white granite walls of this chasm tower overhead as the contrasting sparkling emerald waters of the river tumble along the bottom of its immense walls.

The Middle Fork of the Salmon is renowned for its healthy fishery of native Rainbow and Westslope Cutthroat Trout. The first ever catch and release stream in the country, this highly protected river provides a sanctuary for an average of 2,400 fish per mile.The Middle Fork is 100 miles long, running through the largest protected wilderness in the contiguous 48 states. The crystal clear emerald waters of this amazing waterway add an extra twist to the fishing with the ability to see the fish, even deep in the river. The clarity of the water gives the illusion of fish suspended in the water at all levels of each pool. The Middle Fork is the pinnacle of dry-flyfishing rivers. 

Guests ride down the Middle Fork in comfort and style in the front of our custom drift boats. These boats are the ‘Cadillacs’ of the river with comfortable padded seats and seat backs, along with a padded casting brace to keep one balanced while fishing. No need to wade, these boats are very maneuverable and tailor-made to access the very best fishing spots; and our guides know exactly where those spots are. Each drift boat accommodates two guests and one guide. Boats are equipped with all of the necessary fishing rods and tackle, stocked drink cooler and all requisite safety equipment.

River Accommodations

Camping with Helfrich Outfitters on the Middle Fork is better labeled as ‘Glamping’, or glamorous camping, because of the deluxe accommodations that are provided at every campsite. Upon arriving in camp each afternoon, guests can expect everything to be set up and ready for them to enjoy. Each of our spacious tents accommodates 2 guests with comfortable cots and air pads for sleeping. The site is equipped with dining tables, lounge chairs, a hot shower, warm water wash station, hand washing facilities, a privacy toilet, ice and cocktail table, and a complete kitchen.

When guests arrive in camp they can pick a tent, grab a cold drink, munch on appetizers, relax and enjoy activities around camp. Each trip is focused on the customer’s interests and guides are available to lead activities by request. The afternoons and evenings provide plenty of time for additional fishing, swimming, hiking, artifact hunting, photography, playing games, soaking in hot springs, reading a good book with toes in the water or just relaxing and watching the river float by.

The gourmet food on the Middle Fork makes this trip even more inviting. All meals are prepared in Dutch ovens and on the barbeque over open coals. Fresh baked Dutch oven breads, made from scratch, are prepared each day along with top quality meats and fish. Each meal is sure to please and are all accompanied by plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Duel entree dinners and a wide variety of side dishes provide great options at each meal. If there is any room left in ones stomach after the evening’s premier event, a delightful dessert is sure to follow.

Riverside lunches of freshly made salads, fresh fruits and rich sandwich spreads are prepared each day on a shaded river bank. Lunch stops are a great time to relax in a lounge chair in the shade, go for a swim, lay out for a sun tan, read a good book or explore the surrounding area.

6 days and 5 night packages - Cover 100 miles of river and are available from June through early september.

5 days and 4 nights packages - Are available starting in late August. Just as early July is known as the best time to fish the Middle Fork, September is very comparable. The water is beginning to cool down and the fish get more active. Come enjoy the world class dry fly fishing of the Middle Fork while surrounded by beautiful fall colors. September is also loved my many as the best time of year on the river because of the lack of visitors to the river this time of year.

Notes

Fishing licenses are not included in the trip cost.

Additional $4/day Recreation Enhancement Act Fee will be charged on all Middle Fork trips.

Lower water levels later in the season may require trip launch location to change. These trips require an additional flight in to a backcountry airstrip. Additional flight costs are not included in trip price. All booking and arrangement details for these flights will be handled for you; it is easy and affordable. Fishing rafts may be used in place of drift boats during these low water conditions. 
Fishing Waters:
Destination:
  • All fees are included: $4/day Recreation Enhancement Act Fee, and 3% of the company's adjusted gross revenues are for a land use fee for operating commercially on National Forest Lands
  • Round Trip transportation: Air and ground transportation provided from and to Stanley ID, except when low water requires a flight into the wilderness from Stanley
  • Fresh and Gourmet Food: We fly fresh food into the wilderness so that we can have fresh produce, bread, and cookies until the last day of the trip
  • Luxurious Camping Accommodations
  • Professional Guiding and Full Service on and off the river
  • All necessary gear, including: sleeping bag, deluxe wilderness mattress, life jacket, roomy four person tent for every two people, camp chairs, dining table, complimentary water resistant duffel for you personal gear (yours to keep), waterproof container for your day use items, eating utensils, drink cup, water bottle, plenty of ice, wine with dinner, and an ample supply of cold beverages.
  • Premium Orvis fly fishing gear: rod, reel, and our go-to flies. If you have favorite rods and reels, please bring them along with hard cases.
September can be one of the most invigorating times to fish the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. As summer closes, the clear waters begin cooling down, the heat subsides, and the river ... moreis emptied of floating traffic. And as the temperature cools, the water gets lower and slower – ideal fishing conditions.

As the water cools, the wild cutthroat follow their native instincts to start packing on weight for the difficult winter looming ahead. September is their last chance to gorge themselves on large terrestrials and tasty surface hatches before the winter doldrums of midge subsistence sets in.

Our September fishing trips are smaller and more personable than our Summer trips. As the days start to get shorter and we have the whole Wilderness nearly to ourselves, these trips take on a nostolgic and sportsman/sportswoman's vibe.

This is a special time for both guides and guests on the Middle Fork; our guides are excited to row you through the best Cutthroat fly fishing waters in the West. You will find them to be both knowledgeable leaders and wonderful companions, whether they’re sharing an exotic presentation technique, helping to improve an angler’s casting skills, cooking up one of our favorite dishes, or telling lively stories around the campfire.
  • Experienced guide
Enjoy a day trip on the Clearwater river in Montana with God's Country Outfitters. Our float trips take place in a raft or drift boat and we will help you select the right bug and ... morefind the best water to get fiesty rainbows and browns to rise. Both beginning and experienced anglers will enjoy fishing with our knowledgeable and friendly guides. Book your Montana fishing adventure today!
Fishing Waters
Scenic and wild, the Little Salmon River is a tributary of the Salmon River which is the longest free-flowing river (425 miles) within one state in the lower 48. Resident species are ... moreBull Trout, Westslope Cutthroat, and Rainbows.

Things to Know

Fish species in the Little Salmon River: Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, and Rainbow. Consult the Idaho Fish & Game regulations for seasons, limits, and Special Rules for the region.

Any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid license or permit to fish in Idaho. Resident children under 14 years of age need not be licensed and may have their own separate limit. Nonresident children under 14 years of age if not licensed, must be accompanied by the holder of a valid fishing license and their fish must be included in the license holder's limit or the child may purchase their own license and have their own limit.
Game Fish Opportunities:
 (1)
Jackson is the ideal hub for exploring the Snake River, a surging, full spirited river that provides a direct connection between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National ... morePark. The setting is breathtakingly beautiful – jagged peaks jutting into the sky while the river and its maze of channels and tributaries “snake” their way through the verdant, lush valley. Important to early explorers seeking passage west, the Pacific and Atlantic Creeks reach the Continental Divide at Two Ocean Pass near Jackson and part ways. The Atlantic Creek turns east, merges into the Yellowstone River and eventually flows into the Missouri while the Pacific Creek turns west and merges into the Snake, becoming the largest tributary of the Columbia, eventually reaching the ocean.

Known for its own unique trout, the Snake River finespotted cutthroat can only be found in the waters around the Jackson Hole valley. Considered by experts to have once been the only trout species in the Western interior, it has evolved into 14 different subspecies. To this day, its native range is limited to the upper Snake from Heart Lake to the Palisades Reservoir. Despite the finespotted’s hearty, undiscerning appetite and a seeming willingness to eat just about anything, experienced anglers view this fish as the most aggressive, hardest fighting trout to snare. As a result, when you catch one you earn major bragging rights. 

The most heavily fished areas of the Snake’s run through western Wyoming are the 35 miles in the park between Jackson Dam and the 17 remaining miles flowing through Jackson Hole. This section of the river is ranked as one of the best dry-fly streams in the West. Snake enthusiasts recommend floating the river although newcomers are advised to only go with a guide and veterans are reminded to exercise caution, as the water can be turbulent and unpredictable. Should you decide to wade, be mindful of swift currents along undercut banks and stick to quiet, shallow river sections and side channels. Great stream fishing can be found at Gros Ventre River and Flat Creek.
0 reviews   0 comments
Culinary
Accommodations
Family Friendly
Spouse Friendly
Transportation

Discover Your Own Fishing and Hunting Adventures

With top destinations, guided trips, outfitters and guides, and river reports, you have everything you need.