Smallmouth Bass fishing

Salmon River Smallmouth Fishing

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, fishing for Smallmouth Bass from a drift boat is an unforgettable adventure. Known for being hard fighters, having vibrant colors, and some delicious flavor, Smallmouth Bass fishing promises an exciting day for all skill levels. Soak up the summer sun, enjoy some beautiful scenery, and catch some fish!

Smallmouth Bass fishing is an exciting introduction for new anglers! On the Salmon River, we’re fortunate to have eager biters that provide plenty of action, making it easy for beginners to get into fish & build their confidence. For seasoned anglers, you’re sure to have plenty of action and excitement to keep you hooked all day long! Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, fishing for Salmon River Smallmouth is always a thrill!

Big Smallmouth Bass are found on Idaho's Salmon River

Dates & rates

Season: Mid June - Late September

Price: $215/angler - Minimum 2 anglers per boat

Book online here!

FAQ’s & More

- When?: Mid/Late June - Late September
- Where?: Salmon River - Riggins, Idaho. We have a 63 miles of amazing scenic river to fish for Smallmouth Bass on!
- Price?: $215/angler (minimum 2 spots per boat)
- How long?: Full day - 8 hours - 7:30 A.M MST - 3 P.M, MST
- What does SRD Provide?: Experienced Smallmouth Bass fishing guides, all fishing gear needed (non-fly trips), snacks, coffee, water, comfortable drift boat.
- What do we need to bring?: Idaho Fishing License, lunch, camera, sunglasses, drinks of choice.
- How should we dress?: Summers in Riggins are HOT! Wear synthetic clothing, a sun shirt, hat, sunglasses, and shorts or light synthetic pants! Check the forecast beforehand & don’t forget the sunscreen!
- What kind of fishing techniques are used?: Our approach evolves with the season and the behavior of the fish. From soft plastics like jigs, Senkos, and drop-shot setups, to exciting topwater baits & crank baits. We tailor our techniques and approach to maximize your success whether the bite has been subtle or aggressive.
- Can we fly fish?: Fly fishing trips are available upon request and subject to availability. These trips will be guided by expert guides specializing in fly fishing for Smallmouth Bass.
- What else can we catch?: It’s not uncommon to hook into some Rainbow Trout on a Smallmouth Bass trip! The last few years we have caught a few Walleye as well. Walleye are invasive, a huge threat to our fisheries and slowly creating a population in the Salmon River Drainage. We dispatch them immediately and take them home for tacos!
- Can we do a longer trip?: Book as many days in a row as you want! Booking multiple days on the river is a great way to see more river, really soak in the sun, & get into a load of fish! We also offer multi-day Smallmouth Bass fishing & camping trips on a very limited availability!
- Is there wildlife?: There are tons! We frequently see Deer, Elk, Bald Eagles, Osprey, River Otter, & more on our trips!
- More Details: Visit our FAQ, or shoot us a call or text at (208) 507-8447 for more information!
We will meet you at our office: - 1512 N Main St, Riggins ID, 83549. (Look for the sign with our Salmon River Drifters Logo & the Orange Torpedo Trips Logo.
We meet at 7:30 AM Mountain Standard Time.
After we meet: We will drive either upstream or downstream from the office. If we fish downstream, we will ask you to help us shuttle. If we fish upstream, we will ask you to follow us to the take-out and we will handle the shuttle separately.
On single-day trips: We’ll enjoy up to 8 hours of floating, fun in the sun, and some amazing fishing. At the end of the day we’ll take you back to your car or the office!
During the hotter times of summer we are generally off the river by 2:00 PM, before the peak high temperatures of the day.