Frequently asked questions.

Our boats fish best with two guests, but we have the ability to fish 3 per boat. Multi-boat trips are available for parties of 4 or more.

We meet at the Salmon River Drifters / Orange Torpedo Trips Office (1512 N Main St.) Your official meeting time & details will be included in your confirmation email.

Steelhead & Fall Chinook Fishing trips:

We meet at 6:45 AM Mountain Time. We are generally off of the water around 4:30-5:00 pm MST.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Trips:

We meet at 7:00 AM Mountain Time. We are generally off the water between 2:00 & 3:00 PM.

Yes. You are responsible for purchasing a fishing license from Idaho Fish & Game.

For Steelhead & Salmon Fishing:

You will need an Idaho Fishing License & a Steelhead (or Salmon) Permit, they will both need to be printed out and in your possession.

For out of state residents you can purchase a “3 Day Salmon & Steelhead Permit”. This counts as both your Fishing License & Steelhead/Salmon Permit.

For Bass fishing:

Just a general fishing license is required.

For Chukar hunting:

Residents will need a general hunting license. There are no special permits for Chukar. Out of state residents will need to purchase a “3 Day Hunting-Small Game” license.

Please come with your license & permit in hand. We will verify that you are in possession of it before we depart.

If you order online from IDFG please allow AT LEAST 10 business days lead time before your trip, or select the “E Tagging” option and verify that your GoOutdoorsIdaho app displays your permits correctly.

We suggest our guests stay the “Steelhead Lodge” in Lucile, or “Salmon Rapids Lodge.” in Riggins.

The Steelhead Lodge is located 14 miles south of Riggins, it is a beautiful and secluded destination lodge with a private view of the river and some amazing amenities. We will even work with you and the Inn Keepers to coordinate picking you up at the lodge!

The Salmon Rapids Lodge is a beautiful hotel with a perfect view of the Little Salmon River & Main Salmon River confluence. Mention that you’re fishing with us for 10% off your room any time from April-December!

If you are bringing an RV, we recommend the Riverside RV Park, a gorgeous, small, & quiet RV park along the Little Salmon River.

Breakfast:

Kate’s Cattlemans - Opens at 6:00 AM.

“The Steakhouse” On the South end of town - Opens at 6:00 AM.

Dinner: Seven Devils Bar & Grill, Summervilles Steakhouse/Salmon River Inn, The Steak House.

Other amenities in town: Please visit the Salmon River Chamber of Commerce website here.

To fish in Idaho, any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid Fishing License & Steelhead and/or Salmon Permit.

Children under 14 may fish off of an adults license, but retained fish must be tagged on the license of that adult. If you want a separate “limit” for your child they will need their own Steelhead Permit (resident children do not need a fishing license, but nonresident children will need one for a separate limit).

For Smallmouth Bass Fishing no special permits are required besides a general fishing license in the parent’s possession.

October-March

The weather in the canyon is generally mild in October through early November, but it can get cold. “Start warm, end warm!” The forecast in the canyon is pretty unreliable, so always bring quality rain gear.

The Drift Boat is fit with a propane heater that sits in front of the guests, this keeps most people pretty comfortable, and has built in hand warmers in the form of hot rocks to rotate through!

For the colder months (November through February) always layer up appropriately. Baselayer, insulated pants, fleece or sweatshirt, then a “shell” layer (rain jacket, winter jacket, etc).

Most of our guides wear long johns, fleece lined pants, fishing bibs, a sweatshirt, and a “puffy jacket”, and a shell jacket.

For Chukar hunting trips please come prepared with quality hiking boots & a hunter orange hat or vest.

April-Early June

Pack your rain gear, but be prepared to strip down to a tee shirt! These months can be very unpredictable for weather.

A pair of synthetic pants, synthetic shirt, sweatshirt or fleece, and full coverage rain gear should keep you covered for the day. We are frequently in shorts by mid April or earlier here.

Late June-September

The Salmon River canyon gets HOT! The summer months can range anywhere from mornings in the low 60’s to afternoons in the triple digits. Synthetic clothing is a MUST! Swimsuit & Sun shirt combo is perfect. BRING SUNSCREEN!

Rain gear is always nice to have, especially because the weather can take wild turns when you least expect it, don’t trust the precipitation forecast! Make sure you are keeping hydrated!

Most guests opt to take hatchery Salmon or Steelhead they catch into possession.

Wild Salmon & Steelhead must be released per state law. Possession limits are set by Idaho Fish & Game, and may vary from season to season. Your guide will be up to date with current regulations.

Your guide will clean your fish for you at the end of your trip. Please bring a cooler, or purchase a styrofoam cooler (available at the local grocery store) after your trip.

For Bass fishing, we will fillet all your catch that you decide to keep at the end of your trip! Bass Tacos, anyone?

Our Steelhead & Salmon Fishing trips are always at least 8 hours long, usually 9-10.

Bass fishing trips are generally 6-7 hours long, we try to get off the water before it gets uncomfortably hot.

We provide a clean boat, a professional fishing guide, water, coffee, snacks, and all of the equipment and fishing tackle needed for a day on the water.

Season-appropriate clothing and (layers if needed), lunch, a camera, Fishing License, Steelhead or Salmon Permit (if Salmon & Steelhead Fishing), beverages, sunscreen for summer trips, sunglasses, a baseball cap and/or beanie.

Please click here or on the banner at the bottom of the screen to see our reservation policy.

If you had an experience that met or exceeded your expectations, guide gratuities are much appreciated.

If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or drop us a message! (Click Here) We are happy to walk you through everything and answer any question!