Although Idaho's Middle Fork Salmon River offers world-famous fly fishing even during our summertime guided float trips, it becomes a wilderness fly fishing paradise in September, when Middle Fork outfitters and guides wind down the white water season. So for serious sporting float trips (whether it be fly fishing, spin fishing, and/or Chukar hunting), join us in September for guided dedicated trout fishing trips or combo trout fishing & Chukar hunting (Cast and Blast trips, described below).

   If you read travel and fishing magazines, you know about the world-famous Idaho fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River (see Summer Rafting page for Sports Afield fly-fishing quote). Ego boosting to say the least: whether you're an expert or you need a little instruction from the fishing guides, and whether you do it fly-fishing or otherwise, you will catch lots of trout on the Middle Fork! After summer's whitewater, the Middle Fork gets lower and slower in the fall. Crystal clear, spring-fed waters, combined with an extraordinarily plentiful and aggressive population of native cutthroat trout, make the Middle Fork of the Salmon River one of the most perfect dry fly-fishing waters in the world. It is simply exhilarating to watch these fish emerge from the depths to take a fly and then run with it. In addition to the many cutthroat, we also see some Rainbow trout and an occasional Dolly Varden; once again, all are natives.

   Most of the day we'll be fishing from the moving rafts, drifting along, casting into deep pools, along eddies, or up against rock walls. You may also fish anytime we're on shore--from camp in the mornings and evenings, or in a hole or side tributary when we pull over for lunch.

   In order to protect this priceless wilderness resource, the Idaho Fish & Game requires that all fishing on the Middle Fork be catch and release, using only single, barbless hooks and no live bait (suggested fly-fishing or spin casting equipment and tackle will be sent upon booking a trip, or upon request). Fishing and Chukar hunting licenses can be obtained online at Idaho Fish & Game, or at sporting goods outfitters or tackle shops in Idaho.

   If you'd enjoy Chukar hunting and trout fishing on the same outing, you've come to the right outfitters. Opt for one of our popular Middle Fork Cast and Blast trips (Sept. 15-19 or Sept. 23-27). Days will be spent as described above, except that we'll pull over whenever a covey of birds is spotted (and the guides will add a gourmet Chukar recipe or two to the menu!) You will definitely want to bring your bird dog on this most popular and memorable expedition. Non hunting guests are also welcome, at the full trip fare.

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   Naturally, you can be assured the same gourmet food, hot shower, pampering and luxury service as described for our summer Middle Fork rafting trips on preceding pages. Because sportsmen generally request that there be only two guests and a Chukar hunting/fishing guide per 16- foot raft, the 5-day fare per person is $1,685 (plus taxes and fees). However, trout fishing trips as well as combo fishing & Chukar hunting (Cast and blast) expeditions can be customized by length, date of launch, and group size (and therefore, price), so call us with your preferences.

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Adventure! Sun Valley River Co. is proud to operate in association with the following:

• Idaho Outfitters & Guides Association
• Middle Fork of the Salmon Outfitters Association
• Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board
• United States Forest Service
• Idaho Fish & Game
• Wilderness Fly Fishers
• American Rivers

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