Drift Boat Steelhead Fishing
Description
Our premier trip (and favorite of the guides), Steelhead Fishing from a drift boat on the Salmon River is one of the most exciting guided trips you can find in the Pacific Northwest. The free-flowing Salmon River boasts beautiful clean water, and incredible steelhead habitat, making it a true gem for anglers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, we're ready to tailor your trip to your skill level and preferred fishing techniques.
On the Salmon River, we target both hatchery steelhead (which can be taken home) and big "B run" wild steelhead. Being able to hold a fish that was born in the mountains and coming back to its home in the Salmon River mountains is truly a special experience.
Season: Late September - Late March Price: 240/angler (Minimum 2)
What to Expect
When?: Late September - Late March
Where?: Salmon River - Riggins, Idaho. We have a 59 miles of amazing scenic river we are permitted to fish on.
Price?: $240/angler (minimum 2 spots per boat)
How long?: Full day - 10 hours
What kind of fishing techniques are used?: Drift Boat gear fishing, including pulling plugs, drifting bait, and float fishing.
Can we fly fish for Steelhead?: Of course! Find more information here! These trips are guided by expert guides specializing exclusively in Spey Fishing for Steelhead.
What else can we catch?: Book your trip between September 15 & October 31 for a fun Fall Chinook Salmon fishery, too!
Can we do a longer trip?: Definitely! Book as many days in a row as you want! Booking multiple days on the river is a great way to see more river & really take advantage of its amazing Steelhead fishing opportunities. We also offer exclusive multi-day fishing & camping trips on a very limited availability!
Are there wildlife?: There are tons! We frequently see Deer, Elk, Bald Eagles, Osprey, River Otter, & more on our trips!
What does SRD Provide?: Experienced steelhead fishing guides, all fishing gear needed (non-fly trips), snacks, coffee, water, comfortable heated drift boat
What do we need to bring?: Idaho Steelhead Permit & Fishing License, lunch, camera, sunglasses, drinks of choice
How should we dress?: Dress warm & with multiple layers! We fish rain, snow, or shine! Bring quality rain gear & check the forecast beforehand!
Gear & Equipment
Our primary method of targeting Steelhead is by back trolling plugs (pulling plugs).
We also mix in drift fishing & float fishing.
We supply all necessary gear for your trip.
Pricing Details
2025 pricing: $240/angler (required minimum of 2 seats purchased)
Our drift boats can support up to 3 anglers per boat.
Terms & Conditions
Reservations: A 50% deposit of final trip price is required to reserve your date & boat at the time of booking.
Your final payment will be due within 14 days of your trip launch. This payment will be auto-charged to the card on file if final payment is not received within 14 days of your trip launch.
Refunds: All Deposits & Final payments are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Cancellations & Date Changes: 14+ days prior to your trip launch: Change of date with no charge allowed.
14 days to 72 hours prior to your trip launch: Change of date allowed +20% rebooking fee.
72 hours prior to your trip launch: No date change accepted. Trip cost will be forfeited.
"No show" cancellation: Trip cost will be forfeited.
Transfers: Transfer of your launch date & deposit or full payment to another guest or party is acceptable at any time prior to your trip.
Cancellations due to safety: Within our discretion & professional experience, we may deem river flows or any other ongoing events of nature unsafe for any reason. Clients will be given the option of to cancel their trip and receive a full refund or rebook for another date.
Other: We do not cancel trips based on weather forecast or current weather conditions. Please come prepared for the elements.
Salmon River Drifters, LLC reserves the right to cancel a trip for any person at any time. If this occurs prior to your trip launch the reservation holder will receive a full refund of trip cost
Physical Requirements
N/A
Permit & Tag Application Process
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 Bass fishing, just a general fishing license is required.
For out of state residents you will need to purchase a "3 Day Salmon & Steelhead Permit". This counts as both your Fishing License & Steelhead/Salmon Permit.
For Chukar hunting, residents will need a general hunting permit. 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.