Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork
Fishing on any trip
Middle Fork Salmon River Fly Fishing Guide
The configuration of our fleet of boats provides a range of activity options, including fly-fishing. Oar rigs that carry 2-4 guests and are rowed by a guide. This setup offers the best fly-fishing option. Although these boats are not rigged exclusively for fly fishing, they work perfectly for the casual fisherman. If you are specifically interested in a fly-fishing trip, we highly recommend our September Middle Fork Trip, designed exclusively for fly fishing enthusiasts.
Gear checklist
Idaho Fly Fishing Checklist
Here is our list of gear suggestions for Middle Fork anglers, from beginner to seasoned veteran.
Before you go: get your Idaho fishing license
You can purchase an Idaho fishing license at fly-fishing shops in Stanley or Boise. Licenses are also available online or by phone at 1-800-554-8685. Licenses are required for any anglers aged 14 or older. Non-resident licenses are sold by consecutive days. If you are taking a September fishing trip, purchase your license to cover all the days of the trip. If you are on a summer rafting trip and won’t be doing a lot of fishing, get a license for the middle days of your trip, as they provide the best fishing opportunities.
Rods If you bring your own rod, any fly rod that is balanced for line weights 4-7 and lengths 8-9 feet will set you up for success. Make sure the rod is in an unbreakable case. Avoid bringing classic or collector rods. We provide Echo and Orvis rods that are 8 to 9 feet in length with 4 or 5 weight line.
Lines We recommend floating fly line, either double-taper or weight-forward. The fly line weight should be matched with the rod weight. Behind the fly line should be enough backing (18- to 20-pound test Dacron) to fill the reel.
Leaders We recommend 4X or 5X tapered leaders. Two or three should be plenty to get through the trip, allowing for backups. Bring a spool of 4- or 5-pound tippet material as well.
Sunglasses Eye protection is important. We recommend polarized sunglasses for spotting fish through the reflective glare of the water. A lanyard or other retaining device is essential.
Hat A wide-brimmed hat comes in handy for protection from the elements and the occasional misguided fly.
Tools Bring a fingernail clipper, or “angler’s clipper,” for trimming leader and tippet. Small needle nose pliers, or similar tools, are helpful for “debarbing” hooks. Middle Fork regulations require that all barbs on hooks be flattened.
Flies that work
Middle Fork Salmon Flies
The Middle Fork of the Salmon supports a hearty population of westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout. Trout thrive here and are aggressively attracted to a variety of fly patterns. Below are some recommended flies that our guides have had success with. The images below show flies with barbs. Keep in mind that the Middle Fork is a catch and release stream and fishing must be done with single, barbless hooks.
Selecting a Fly
“I usually start with a fly that coincides with recent hatches. From there, I’ll try different colors. For me, the fly color is almost more important than the fly. I’ve seen Middle Fork fish go crazy for a purple pattern but won’t even rise for the same fly with a black pattern.” – Skip Volpert, Idaho River Journeys Guide
Learn more about choosing a fly and the different strategies that go into it.
Questions about fishing the Middle Fork?
Have a question about logistics, booking or what to expect? You’ll be in direct contact with Skip and Julia.