Hughes River Expeditions

Fly Fishing

Main Salmon River

MS22 Fishing Rhett Creek

Fishing

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The Main Salmon River of No Return is the inbetween section of the Salmon River not the Headwaters but well above its confluence with the mighty Snake River.  The Main Salmon experiences a change over the 81 miles of the river from aCutthroat Trout Fishery to a Small Mouth Bass Fishery.

The Top 25 Miles or so can fish quite well in the Main Stem of the stream fro Cuthroat Trout while the Middle 30 miles are more of a walk and wade section of fishing primarily the Tributaries and finally the bottom 25 miles fish well for Small Mouth Bass.

We outfit all of our trips with a variety of gear to fish for these species.  We provide Fly Fishing Gear and Spin Fishign Gear on all of our Main Salmon River of No Return trips.

Fishing the Main Salmon River

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All our Main Salmon River of No Return trips are outfitted for fishing.  Many of our summer guests plan to include fishing as some part of their Main Salmon River trip. Experienced anglers usually prefer to bring their own gear but it is not necessary if you'd like to leave it at home.

Included in your trip:
Fishing equipment and tackle
knowledgeable guides, pleased to provide instruction.

cutthroat trout fishing

Fishing Pointers

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Hughes guides are happy to provide instruction, and we always have tackle boxes filled with local flies, leaders, fly & line dressing as well as fully set up tackle boxes for spin fishing.  Fishing for Cutthroat Trout and Smallmouth Bass is a fantastic time on the river!

women w: bass

Tributaries

Tributary fishing is an added treat. During your trip, we will stop to fish the mouths of varies tributaries and possibly Hike up the Island of the South Fork of the Salmon in search of some Cutthroat Trout.

The “wiley” westslope cut takes dry flies aggressively. We fish on the surface with large, easy to follow dry flies (Humpy, Stimulator, Sofa Pillow, Parachute Hopper, Buck-tailed Caddis). Westslope cutthroat are an indicator of excellent water quality, and watching them rise through gin clear water to take dry flies is thrilling.

Guest Experiences on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

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  • R. Quinly (2019)

    Our guides were all exceptional!  …treated Tom and me like family members.  They celebrated Tom’s birthday with pancakes in the morning and a Dutch oven cake with candles for dessert that evening.  Thank you for an amazing family vacation.

  • C. & R. Gore, Wilsonville, OR (2021)

    Thank both you and your crew for the Great Trip we just experienced on the Middle Fork.

  • M. Penton, Leviadia, CA (2021)

    Up in the air with an incredible view,
    Then down to the river for an adventure that’s new…
    Proud evergreens, polished stones, bald eagle sightings;
    Emerald moving water with rapids so exciting!
    ……..
    We’re so happy to be part of this adventure!  It’s true
    that it’s because of the work of the great guides and you!

  • Gannett, Salt Lake City, UT (2021)

    Once again had a great trip….  Be safe and we’ll schedule another trip soon.

  • DeZarn, Eugene, OR (2021)

    What a fantastic trip!  Hughes river guides killed it for us all!  Thanks for a ton of fun!

  • Kaelson, Dallas, TX (2021)

    Thanks for an incredible trip your staff was amazing.

  • Watts, Boise, ID (2021)

    The August 25-29 Middle Fork of the Salmon Trip – it was SO GOOD!  Your guides are first-rate in all regards.

  • Beckley, Eugene, OR (2021)

    We just got back from our Middle Fork trip with Hughes….  It simply could not have been better.

  • J. Olson, Ketchum, ID (2020)

    The kids adored you.  The adults were in awe of you.  Thanks for making the trip so special.  Big T would have loved that chocolate cake!

  • Hynes, Corvallis, OR (2021)

    It was an awesome trip.  All the guests and especially the guides were the best.  … We had a thrilling flight to the put in and an even more exciting bus trip home … taking in the sites and seeing wild animals and birds.  …I believe we all hit the Jerry Hughes lottery and were chosen to be the best float with the best crew and guests of this season.  Rhonda and I thank all of you for making it happen…. May our paths cross again in the future.

fly fishing lower salmon stoltz group pic 1

Fishing Licenses

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You can purchase license at pre-trip meeting at River One.

You can also purchase an Idaho fishing license directly from Idaho Fish & Game Dept. [https://license.gooutdoorsidaho.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx] Cost is $22.75 for the 1st day, and $7/day for each additional day. Children under 14 can fish on a license of an adult parent.

We’re here to answer any and all of your questions!

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