Hughes River Expeditions

Hughes River Expeditions

Salmon River Rafting Trips

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Selway Trip Details

5 or 6 Day Selway River Trip Details.

Headquarters & Starting Point:

  • Pre-Trip Meeting Location: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Missoula-Edgewater.
  • Pre-Trip Meeting Time: 7:00 PM
  • Our guests stay at the Double Tree by Hilton in in Missoula, MT for the Selway river.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula-Edgewater
100 Madison St, Missoula, MT 59802
406-728-3100

We recommend making reservations at the Double Tree by Hilton at the same time you reserve spaces on your river trip. Let Double Tree by Hilton know that you are on a trip with Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. and request the Hughes River Rate. Double Tree by Hilton provides no charge parking during your trip, and a lock up room for luggage. 

Early afternoon the last day, we takeout at Race Creek about three miles above Selway Falls & 20 miles above the Confluence of the Selway and Lochsa Rivers. From takeout, we provide bus transportation back to Missoula & the Double Tree by Hilton. 140 miles and about 2.5 hours driving time. Plan to arrive in Missoula about 5:00 p.m.

Double Tree in Missoula, MT

Traveling to Missoula

Fly to Missoula International Airport (MSO).

Put-in Beginning of the Trip

Put-in for the Selway varies with water, road, and weather conditions. We leave Missoula around 7:30 AM and with a couple of stops on our way plan to arrive at the put-in around 12:00 (noon). Whenever possible, we put-in at Paradise Creek Boat Ramp. We provide bus transportation from Missoula to the river (120 miles). However, for the safety of the trip, we sometimes put-in downstream at the Shearer Airfield. When flights to Shearer Airstrip are required, plan to pay the pilot $195/person at the time of the flight (credit card or cash). We line up the flights. Flight costs may vary. Check with the Office.

July dates sometimes require flights due to low water flows.

Takeout / End of Trip

Early afternoon the last day, we takeout at Race Creek about three miles above Selway Falls & 20 miles above the Confluence of the Selway and Lochsa Rivers. From takeout, we provide bus transportation back to Missoula & the Double Tree by Hilton. 140 miles and about 2.5 hours driving time. Plan to arrive in Missoula about 5:00 p.m.

Fishing

The Selway is a “blue ribbon” Westslope Cutthroat Trout fishery. Fishing is normally good from Late June to early August. Regulations are ‘catch and release’.

Only artificial flies and lures with single barbless hooks are allowed. No bait fishing is allowed. We flatten the barbs with pliers on conventional hooks to conform to the rules.

Recommended fly patterns include: Bucktailed Caddis, Adams, Renegade, Irresistible, Humpy, Sofa Pillow, Royal Wolff, Stimulator, Hopper, etc. in medium sizes (#12, #16, …)

You can purchase an Idaho fishing license and tackle from the Bob Wards in Missoula, MT.

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 recommend getting your fishing license the day before your trip at the latest.

Vehicle & Luggage Storage

You can leave your vehicles at the Double Tree by Hilton in Missoula for the duration of the trip. You can leave any luggage or valuables with the front desk if desired.

Weather

The Selway begins at 3500 feet. Typically, days are hot and nights are cool. Study our Gear List carefully, and call the office with questions. Weather in the Central Idaho Mountains is very unpredictable, and you need to be well-prepared.

Trip Insurance & Responsibility

We encourage the purchase of Trip Cancellation, Accident, and Baggage Insurance Policies. These policies cover cancellation, personal property, and personal injury. Many insurance companies offer such policies.

HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS, Inc. spares nothing to assure that all trips we outfit are the safest and best outfitted expeditions available. Our safety record is excellent. However, river running is not without some risk, and you as a potential river runner must be willing to assume this risk. HUGHES RIVER EXPEDITIONS, Inc. assumes no responsibility whatsoever for your personal safety or for damage or loss of your equipment.

Selway Books and Maps

Available through the Hughes Company Store.

Gratuities

Gratuities are shared among the crew, and typical tips are 10% to 20% of trip fare. Gratuities play a major role in the lives of our guides, who we expect to provide excellent service for your experience. Please remember to tip consistently with their performance.

Selway River

  • Selway Gear List
  • Selway Photo Gallery
  • Selway Trip Details
  • Testimonials

Book your trip online!

Questions about a trip?

Call 406-540-4450
We’re here to answer any and all of your questions or send us an email.

Selway River Map

Client Testimonials

…the trip of a liftetime…. I miss it all more than I imagined….Marilee and I have so much respect for the guides as professionals but even more so as very special people of impressive character… The river was gorgeous…the food was amazing…. Hope also to see you all next year.
E. Koch (2019) 
At no time in the past have I written a provider of a service…and told them what I thought. But, as we were coming to the take out point on our float trip, I vowed to write to you… To start with, we had an experience of a life time! Each individual in our group has independently expressed how amazing this experience was and at least one told me it was life changing and healing. Taking the approach where you did whatever it took… generated good will among our group…big time kudos to you a… Read more
C. Healy, Portland, OR (2006)
My husband and I just came out of the river this morning. We did a 6 day Middle Fork/Salmon float trip. The guides (Aaron, Buzz, Hardy, Josh, Robbie, Tony, and Travis), the boats, the camps, and the food were 5 stars. We rarely repeat trips. We would repeat this trip in a heartbeat. Thank you Hughes!
I. Audet, Malden, MA (2015)
The Snake Man, It was unanimous that all had a great time. I think we have passed the torch to the next generation… I spent most of my boat time with Colin aka Snake Jr. There were times when he would say things that would freak me out because he sounded so much like you. I would have to turn around to make sure I wasn’t in a time warp. It was like you were on the oars. Good to see you my friend.
T. Lilljedahl, Austin, TX (2014)
Many thanks for your exemplary customer service and interactions during last week’s river trip…I’m looking forward to an opportunity for a return trip and would not hesitate to recommend you to friends considering a similar trip.
L. DeBergalis Greenwich, CT (2008)
Still in a state of bliss inspired by the river trip. So good to know it’s still there and that I can still spend some time on it, thanks to your outfit.
K. Davey, Couer d’Alene, ID (2014)
Just a brief note to let you know how much Leon and I enjoyed our river trips on the Hells Canyon of the Snake River and the Grande Ronde River last week. We both felt that the trips were superb – from the whitewater, to the weather, to the food, to the great company. We are looking forward to see you on the Salmon River Canyon in August.
B. Krissoff, Truckee, CA (1995)
We are easing back into the real world after a wonderful week on the Middle Fork. We had high expectations based on the experiences of friends who have floated with Hughes as well as your very own testimonials. And we found out that everyone – even you – understated it! This was a trip that will not soon be forgotten…I will remember my first-ever sighting of bighorn sheep, Bill will remember his first attempt at fly fishing and of course, there was the camaraderie, great food and total rel… Read more
S. Myers, Boise, ID (2009)
I cannot tell you what a wonderful time we had. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Paul and the kids were beyond thrilled and are already planning when to come back. It was beautiful, you and your staff were wonderful. Paul recharged (away from his Blackberry, cell phone and computer), and the kids realized what it’s like to be a kid in a technology free atmosphere! …(W)e will also try to organize a large group of our friends most likely in 2013 but quite possibly next summe… Read more
J. Brindley, Los Angeles, CA (2011)
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.
R. Quinly (2019)
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© 2023 Hughes River Expeditions
406-540-4450 • email us • 6400 Caras Lane • PO Box 218 Lolo, MT 59847-0218
Hughes River Expeditions, Inc. is operated under special use permits through the Bureau of Land a Management & United States Forest Service.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.