(208) 507-8447

Overview

Plan for a full day of fun! A standard day will consist of at least 8 hours of fishing. Make sure you obtain your Idaho Fishing License & Salmon Permit before the morning of the trip! If you are coming FALL CHINOOK fishing, please consider getting a Steelhead Permit, as you will more than likely catch Steelhead on your trip as well.

Spring Chinook Dates: Mid May-Mid/Late June: As Spring Chinook Season is highly variable, you must call our office to book these trips.

Fall Chinook  Dates: Mid/Late September-October 31: Fall Chinook trips are a Multi-Species trip. You will more than likely catch Steelhead on these trips, you might even catch more Steelhead than Salmon, please come with a Steelhead Permit along with your Salmon Permit in hand as well!

Spring Chinook Details:

We meet bright and early for Spring Chinook fishing trips. Please be ready to go by 05:00 AM MST. Spring Chinook spots are limited and we try to beat the crowds to the best spots! We generally are off the river by 3:00 PM MST. Spring Chinook is very different than Fall Chinook & Steelhead Season. Due to the high water flows of springtime, we don't have the luxury of floating from hole to hole. Once we find our spot, we start wiggling our plugs in the water and wait for the bite!

We don't know how many fish Idaho Fish & Game will let us keep until soon before the season starts, or if we will even be allowed to fish for Spring Chinook. We will be sure to update you with that information when we have it! Wild fish must be released, hatchery fish & "Jacks" may be retained.

Fall Chinook Details:

We will spend the day hopping spot to spot chasing Fall Chinook Salmon & Steelhead on the Salmon River near Riggins. Idaho. Hatchery & Wild Salmon & Steelhead are both found in this stretch of the Salmon River. While we must release Wild Steelhead, you may retain Wild Fall Chinook & hatchery Steelhead.

------

Bring a camera! This stretch of the Salmon River is famous for its abundance of wildlife. Bighorn Sheep, Elk, Deer, Bald Eagles, and other species of wildlife are frequently seen on our trips. Even though we’re ultimately here to catch fish, being immersed in this special place is a huge part of your experience.

What's Provided

  • Experienced & Local Guide
  • All fishing gear needed
  • Snacks, Water, Coffee
  • Comfortable & Heated Drift Boat
What to Bring
  • Idaho Salmon Permit (and Steelhead for Fall) Permit
  • Idaho Fishing License
  • Lunch (To save you the hassle, we can make you lunch, too!)
  • Warm clothes & rain gear
  • Camera
  • Guide Gratuity 
  • For any other questions on what to bring, please visit our FAQ page or call us at (208) 507-8447

Highlights

  • 8 hours of drift boat fishing
  • Wild & Hatchery Salmon & Steelhead catching opportunities
  • Beautiful views
  • Beginner friendly
  • 1-3 anglers per boat.
Salmon River Drifters
info@salmonriverdrifters.com
(208)-507-8447

Location

Riggins

What to Bring

  • Idaho General Fishing License & Idaho Salmon/Steelhead Permit THESE MUST BE IN YOUR POSSESSION ON THE BOAT
    • Purchase on www.gooutdoorsidaho.com OR the Riggins Whitewater Market. 
    • Only purchase online if you are going to select the "e-tagging" option or you are purchasing at least 1 month in advanced of your trip.
    • Idaho Fish & Game offers a 3 day temporary Salmon & Steelhead Permits, too. If you are not an Idaho resident this will be your best option.
    • Children 13 and younger can fish off of their parent's license. Ages 14-17 must have their own youth license. If you want a separate "catch limit" for your youth angler, they must have their own Salmon/Steelhead Permit & Fishing License.
  • Lunch (other snacks will be provided, and we can make you lunch if you wish!)
  • Drinks of your preference (water & coffee will be provided)
  • Sunglasses
  • Warm clothing / hat
  • Rain gear
  • Camera
  • Guide Gratuity

Itinerary

  • For Spring Chinook Trips: 5:00 am MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME. Please meet us at the Salmon Rapids Lodge - 1010 Main St, Riggins, ID 83549
  • For Fall Chinook Trips: 7:00 am MOUNTAIN STANDARD TIME.  Please meet us at the Salmon Rapids Lodge - 1010  Main St, Riggins, ID 83549
  • Your guide will meet you at the Lodge & finish waivers if necessary. If we fish downstream from town you will follow your guide to the put-in and assist with the shuttle. 
  • If we fish upstream of town, you will have the option to follow your guide a short distance to the end-of-day boat ramp, or leave your vehicle at the Salmon Rapids Lodge & get dropped off at the end of the day.
  • We generally aim for 8 hours of Fishing
  • 4:00-5:00pm - Guide drops you off at your vehicle or takes you back to the Salmon Rapids Lodge,