To learn how to catch a steelhead go to:  http://www.doryfun.com/stories.html

Idaho's Salmon River

Holly Endersby - Outdoor writer and board member of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers had this to say after fishing with us: " I like fishing with Gary Lane of Wapiti River Guides. Lane uses a drift boat which I prefer to the roar of a jetboat. I am after peace and quiet as well as fish, so a drift boat is my favorite type of water transport."

Her husband Scott Stouder - western field representative for Trout Unlimited, and Bill Sedivy - director of Idaho Rivers United, also like fishing with me. There must be a reason. Come for yourself, and see why.  (ya, I know, I'm being a blatant "name dropper" here. But hey, I want you to come fishing with us, what more can I say?)

How would you like to go fishing in a "riverscape" setting so increditbly beautiful that you might forget you are actually on a fishing trip? That's how gorgeous our canyon is. (The second deepest in North America, by the way). Each spring and fall, sizeable numbers of ocean-run steelhead follow their biology and make their Salmon River journey. Right behind them is us, following our biology to catch them.

Driftboat Steelhead Fishing - Put Yourself In This Picture

We offer exciting fishing trips from 1-6 days for these outstanding fighters. My driftboat is set up for your comfort. Padded seats, umbrella and heater, should weather throw a curve ball, and all fishing equipment. Of course, you are welcome to bring your favorite rod, too, as many experienced fishermen like to do.

If you are new to steelhead fishing, not to worry, we will help you every step of the way. Fishing with a guide will enhance your learning curve and save you steps in the long run. Even if fish do not cooperate, you will learn how to read holding water and techniques to entice steelhead when they are in a better mood on another day.

I might even have a good joke or two, between bites. Or, promise not to tell, in case you just don't appreciate good humor.

One thing I really enjoy and feel is very important is fishing with kids. Unfortunately, too many kids these days have lost touch with nature. It's sad, but true, so my intention is to help kids engage nature full on. Our "human nature" is at stake, as is our fishery and other wildlife concerns.

What we pass on to our children is crucial to how they see the world. So, in keeping with our commitment to promote an old Indian philosophy of planning for the seventh generation, and giving back to Mother Earth, we encourage kids to learn more about fishing by offering them half fare passage.

Our offer is half price fare to kids twelve and under when accompanied by two adults.   

Attention All Salmon Fishermen

This could have been you in the 2008 season.
But, it wasn't. 

Unfortunately, you will have to wait until 2009 to fish for salmon on the Salmon River near Riggins. Its hard to believe, but this 40 inch, 25.3 lb female chinook salmon traveled over 630 miles to get caught by one of my guides on a
"bus-man's holiday". 

The abnormally high water we had during the entire salmon fishing season, scared away most fishermen. Even most guides in our area put their gear away. Not us, we were out exploring how to fish big water. And it was worth it, because we discovered how to catch fish in super high water conditions. Our best day was 20 hook ups, with several days with half that number of fish encounters. Still a great day with half the number of salmon dancing.

Fortunately, the jack count (an index used by fisheries biologists to predict next years run) was high this season, so next year could be another great fishing opportunity. So, don't be shy of high water next year.  Give us a call, we know how to fish in water most other guides stay home from.

 Note: me and my guides on a typical high water salmon fishing trip in 2008.
My only guest went home with his first ever hook caught salmon. It was a beautiful 35 inch 20 lb (estimated) female.
That puts Wapiti River Guides with a 100% guest catching fish ratio. OK, so, it sounds good, anyway.

Driftboat Salmon Fishing on Lower Salmon River

$100/person - 5 hours of fishing:
two runs:  6am-11am & 4pm-9pm
based on 2 person minimum per driftboat,
but we can accommodate 3 people per boat

BIG RUN HEADING OUR WAY
Next season, that is, if all goes well.

( Season: 2008 - closed June 22 on the Big Salmon River

Limits: 3 adults, 3 jacks.

Note:  Sorry.  you will have to wait until next year to fish with us. But, you could be the one that holding iup the big fish, if you come fishing with us. We will be offering guided driftboat fishing for people who want to get away from combat fishing that describes most other salmon fishing opportunities in Idaho. (Especially on the Little Salmon River and the South Fork).

When fish begin arriving, so do the fishermen. Fortunately, while bank fishing is quite the zoo, we can avoid most of that crowd with our driftboats. Don't let poor publicity or supposedly bad water conditions scare you away next year.

We provide all the gear, lunch, and shuttle. Our driftboat is built for comfort: padded seats with backrest, and umbrella for shade or rain, if need be.

Note: they call Chinook Salmon Kings for a reason. When you get one on the end of the line you will soon learn first hand the supreme truth of why. They can take off in an electric run of dazzling magnitude.  Sure to up your adrenalin level and turn your knees into jello.

FOLLOW THE SALMON'S PROGRESS AT:  www.psmfc.org/pittag/



Adult Fish Counts Provided by the
US ARMY CORP OF ENGINEERS 


WHAT ABOUT TROUT, SMALLMOUTH BASS, AND STURGEON?

 

	We run incidental trout, bass, and sturgeon fishing trips in conjunction with our whitewater adventures. However, we can customize a trip for your own group to the specific fish you are interested in catching and devote the entire trip to focus on fishing. The Lower Salmon River is famous for its prolific small mouth bass fishery, with some fish going 2 and 3 pounds. The sturgeon that inhabit these waters are also quite large. They normally run between 6 and 8 feet long, with some even exceeding those lengths. Whitewater prices (cheaper rate) apply to these incidental fishing trips. Note: The guy holding the steelhead on the right is my dad. He is the one who is guilty of getting me hooked on fishing when I was a kid.  Thanks, dad.
Call now: 800-488-9872 to see if we have any openings.