Idaho Guided Fishing Trips
STEELHEAD, SALMON & TROUT FISHING GUIDES
SEASONS VARY THROUGH THE YEAR
Spring and Fall Steelhead Fishing
Summer Salmon and Trout Fishing
Finish your hunt early and book a fall steelhead fishing adventure!
Guided Fishing Trips on the Salmon River
Rawhide Outfitters offer a variety of guided fishing trips for our guests. We fish the Salmon River for steelhead, salmon, rainbow & cutthroat trout, catering to the novice as well as the experienced fisherman. We are licensed on the SA-3, 4 and 5 sections of the river, over 138 miles in all, starting at the town of Challis and ending “down river” at Corn Creek. One thing for sure, here at Rawhide, fishing is not just a profession, it’s a passion.
Our guides have years of experience with the most up-to-date knowledge and equipment for all methods of fishing including fly-fishing, back trolling, spin casting and drifting bait. Drift boats are used for these trips that are equipped with comfortable padded seats and heaters. All fishing equipment is included along with a home-cooked tasty lunch.
2023 Rates and Information
Guided Fishing Trips
One Day Guided Fishing Trips 2 People Per Boat Per Day
| 1 Day Spring Steelhead Fishing March – Mid April | $580.00 |
| 1 Day Fall Steelhead Fishing October – November | $580.00 |
| 1 Day Salmon Fishing Mid June – July | $670.00 |
| 1 Day Trout Fishing June – August | $580.00 |
| Idaho Fishing License Non-Resident Rates | |
| Daily Fishing (1st Day) | $22.75 |
| Each Additional Consecutive Day Add | $ 7.00 |
| 3 Day With Salmon/Steelhead Permit | $44.75 |
- DEPOSIT – A 30% is requested to confirm your fishing date(s). Remaining balance of your fishing trip is due the day of your trip. If river is unfishable due to extreme weather or other conditions beyond our control, 100% of your deposit may be refunded or applied to another fishing date.
- Gratuities are not mandatory, however, it is customary to tip your guide if you feel they did a good job for you.
Spring & Fall Steelhead Fishing
The spring season for steelhead is typically the month of March and first two weeks of April. Our weather and snow conditions are a huge factor in our spring run. When we experience high winter snow levels muddy water conditions can have a negative effect. There are times when we have a mild winter that the river is even fishable in February! Spring offers an exciting steelhead run. Large steelhead arrive here on the upper Salmon River, usually between Salmon and Challis areas, finishing their spawn run. Good water clarity with a small amount of low snow run off can make it possible for successful steelhead fishing. Fly fishing for steelhead in the spring is great as well, as these fish stack up on the gravel bars and channels.
The fall season for steelhead is typically the month of October and into the first week or two of November, weather permitting. Unlike the spring run we don’t have to be concerned with muddy waters due to snow melt! The fall run is prime time for steelhead, water clarity and temperatures provide excellent opportunity for success. The fish are arriving fresh and moving slow as it is too early to spawn. As they wait for their eggs to mature they spend a lot of time resting in lay water. This is when the migrating fish are at their best and most susceptible to bite and fight the hardest!
Summer Trout & Salmon Fishing
For our summer trout fishing trips which are also conducted on the Salmon River rainbow and cutthroat trout are the type of fish caught. Average size of trout caught is between 12 to 16 inches. The best time to fish for trout is after high water in early summer and then into fall after the water temperatures have cooled back down after the summer’s heat. Techniques for fishing consist of fly-fishing or spin casting. We have a good salmon fly hatch. We also use may fly pattern and a favorite is the elk hair caddis. Later grasshoppers and wooly worms work well and of course some stimulator patterns. The section we fish offers good wading opportunities along the way. The spin casting, small # 0 and 1 spinners and small spoons are what we use. The uniqueness of fishing the Salmon River is the scenery and excitement of a free flowing natural river, with its variation of birds and wildlife.
We offer Chinook salmon fishing trips and seasons are determined by fish counts. When numbers are healthy the season is usually set to start the end of June, but typically it doesn’t get underway until the first part of July. When numbers are low the Fish and Game Department does not open the season. We use similar methods for Salmon fishing as we do with our steelhead fishing, with the exception that the gear is heavier. Due to the warm water temperatures, we like to start very early in the morning, being on the river just before daybreak. As you can see by the salmon fishing photos these fish are big and really exciting to catch!
When we experience high winter snow levels muddy water conditions can have a negative effect.
Spring Steelhead Fishing
