The best fishing in idaho
period.
Why go fishing with salmon river drifters?
Our guides: We are lucky to be surrounded by an amazing group of guides who love to fish, love to be on the river, and love Idaho. It’s well known throughout the nation that to be a guide on Idaho’s Salmon River you need to be mentally tough, an amazing boatman, and an even better fishermen. The group of guides we have beside us are all of those things, and we’re proud to have them on our team!
Our philosophy: “The guest always comes first.” We don’t see you as just a date on the calendar—each guest has a different skill level and unique goals, and it’s our job to tailor each trip accordingly. Our Salmon River fishing trips aren’t “one size fits all”—they are customized experiences designed to match your individual needs. From selecting the perfect guide to adjusting fishing styles, we tailor every detail to give you have a successful and unforgettable day on the water. We also recognize that “our” backyard is just as much yours as it is ours, we can’t wait to show you what you have been missing out on!
This is our lifestyle: We have dedicated our lives to Idaho Outfitting. We have a deep rooted love for sharing the Salmon River Canyon with others. We wouldn’t be raising our family here if we thought this wasn’t the most amazing place in the world.
The Fishing: Fishing on the Salmon River in Riggins is something special! We have nearly year-round fishing opportunities—and great ones at that! Whether you prefer the hot summer sun, crisp fall mornings, or cool winter days, you can bet there’s a steelhead, smallmouth bass, Chinook salmon, trout, or even a sturgeon swimming around, ready to bite. There’s almost nothing more “Idaho” than catching fish on the Salmon River!
Conservation: We are passionate about preserving the Salmon River and its multiple different fisheries. Our guides practice ethical fishing techniques, handle wild fish & fish we plan to release with care, and educate anglers on sustainable fishing practices. The Salmon River is a high-risk and delicate fishery. We promote a culture of love and respect so this river that’s both yours and ours thrives for future generations.
Our fishing trips
When?: Late September - Late March
How Long?: Full day Trip (10 hours). Multi-Day camping trips available!
Where?: All trips start in Riggins, Idaho. We have 59 Miles of fishable river!
Why?: Steelhead are some of the hardest fighting and most exciting to catch freshwater fish around! The scenery is pretty amazing too!
Techniques?: We back troll plugs, drift bait, drift floats, and Spey Fish.
When?: Late June - Late September
How Long?: Full day Trip (8-10 hours). Multi-Day camping trips available, too!
Where?: Salmon River near Riggins, Idaho. We have a 63 miles of river full of smallmouth in the late spring, summer, and early fall!
Why?: Smallmouth bass fishing trips are perfect for both experienced & beginner anglers! Some days its hard to not catch them!
Techniques?: We fish conventional baits such as soft plastics, swim baits, topwater baits, and crank baits. Fly fishing trips are available by request!
When?: Late September-Late October & Mid May-Mid June
How Long?: Full day Trip (10 hours).
Where?: Salmon River - Riggins, Idaho. We fish different sections of river depending on if it’s the Spring Salmon Fishing Season or Fall Salmon Season.
Why?: Who doesn’t want to catch a King Salmon on the Salmon River?! These fish are amazing, resilient, and exciting to fish!
Techniques?: We primarily backtroll & stationary fish plugs & bait. If you come in the Fall Season there is a very good chance of catching a Steelhead too!
