The best fly fishing trip Ive ever taken. An Idaho Fishing License is required for anyone 14 years and older. Thirty minutes or so after leaving Challis, heading due north at 3,000 feet altitude, a dirt landing strip was seen below. In the rare event that there are insufficient reservations for the launch, the outfitter reserves the right to alter the departure date or location, or to cancel a trip entirely. Has anyone used one of the many aircraft charters for the Frank Church wilderness? Much more. Quick-Fix Car Camping: Overnighters that Wont Burn a Bunch of Gas, Stewardship and Trail Maintenance Volunteer Opportunities, Inland NW Trails and Conservation Coalition, Negative Splits New Back to Nature Trail Run Series, Outdoorsy Summer Camps in the Inland NW 2021, Camping Destinations via Hike, Bike, or Bus, Sandpoints 3/4 Minus Cykeltur gravel ride is back for 2023. July 13 18 (full) CLICK HERE TO VIEW YELLOW DOG GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICIES. The rattle stops and the snake slides off, downstream thankfully the opposite way from where were heading. Main Salmon "River of No Return" 5 or 6 Day Wilderness Rafting Trip w/lodge stay There is a great bar and quality restaurant next to your room as well as free WI-FI. Find flights to Portland from $51. When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the outfitter. Mccall aviation is good too, i just prefer the pilots out of middle fork with their knowledge and experience in there, but McCall does have a couple larger planes for more gear and more $$..If your planning on the November hunt, get ready for plenty of competition, the airstrips look like small cities in November throughout the Frank. The rooms are around $100.00 for double occupancy (not included in the package). Use clean language. You need a permit to raft the Middle Fork, and from May 28 until September 3rd the permits are issued through a highly coveted lottery. Meet-and-greet outfitter meeting at 6:00 PM at the River 1 Store. . This makes for ideal dry fly action for anglers of all levels. Three ways to get to Sulphur Creek Ranch located in the Frank Church Wilderness: Flying in, Riding in, or Hiking in. 416. This regulation promises healthy fish stocks for your trip and for future generations. For about what it costs to fly to Africa you can spend several days calling and shooting jackals. Economy. We fished hard all day, and both landed trout, but as some writers are wont to say, our results were spotty. For water as lightly fished as Big Creek was, it continued to buffalo us. We werent skimming the treetops but werent so high that everything looked like ants either. The early-season bear action was lackluster, but the saving grace for that trip was more ruffed grouse than theyd ever seen anywhere and more wild trout in Big Creek, a tributary to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, than theyd ever counted. (avg. Jul 1, 2017 #1 Hoytxl2009 Member. Locked and loaded, rod in hand, I slide into the water. A large sweep boat crewed by camp hands will race down the river ahead of you each day to ensure that camp is ready and set up after your full day of guided fishing. Im the first one geared up. This is a strong option for beginners and families with younger anglers, and 20 to 40 fish days are not uncommon. Meanwhile, our wranglers saddled enough stock to get us down to Big Creek, which is about a mile down the drainage from our camp. Add hotel. I cant see the snake, but I can hear his rattle. They dont want to go over the edge any more than you do. Wanna bet? We fly hunters in the Spring and Fall into multiple strips in the Frank Church and Selway Bitterroot Wilderness areas. Best time to beat the crowds with an average 22% drop in price. When we got our first glimpse of the river of no return, there was a commercial trip preparing for a journey down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Usually, we end up spooking them with our lines or making such a rancorous commotion in the water that I think we even spook a few rocks. Bush Flying in the Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness This plan starts and ends at McCall Idaho (KMYL). Cast, gulp, hook, release. No discussion of illegal activity. We have used Arnold Aviation out of Cascade multiple times and they are great to go with. $199. As Backcountry as it gets! This fishery has been managed by the state of Idaho as a catch and release fishery since 1973, making it one of the best fisheries in the northwest for both numbers of fish and for consistently good action on a dry fly. Photo by Ben Romans for Free Range American. This would be my first trip out there so i am looking at it as a scouting trip that I can hunt on. A pitch-tent toilet is provided at each camp, and showers are available twice during the five-day excursion. The Middle Fork Lodge is the sole outfitter for over 400 square miles in the Frank Church Wilderness area. This bus will then drive you back to your shuttled vehicle in either North Fork or Salmon. Fish like these make the toughest targets. Look at this!. Middle Fork of the Salmon River Float Trip | Yellow Dog Unbiased, Honest And Transparent Knowledge On Lodging And Fly Fishing At Middle Fork Float Trip At Zero Extra Cost To You! Because the Frank Church is a protected wilderness area, all waste must be carried out of camp, and the staff does a wonderful job of keeping things tidy and clean. There are only seven launch dates between early June and mid-August, so booking well in advance is extremely important. . Heavy rains, he said, wash feed into the river. Apr 18, 2018 Messages 403. Finally, I had hit the proverbial honey hole, and released a half dozen 14-inch to 16-inch trout. There are only seven launch dates between early June and mid-August, so booking well in advance is extremely important. However, because the water is low this time of year the guides raft the first 25-miles of the trip by themselves, the guests fly to Indian Creek just like we did. Both guests sit towards the bow on a padded bench seat a setup that is designed for safety in the whitewater stretches. Can carry up to 500lbs. We had finally solved the mystery of the Big Creek trout my friend with his funny-looking pattern and me with the golden stones. And this is a good morning. . Road trip! Each guided boat has two anglers that take turns fishing from the boat, as only one angler can fish from the bow of the boat at a time. In addition to holding westslope cutthroats, its also home to one of the most iconic fish species in the Rocky Mountains, the bull trout, as well as a distant cradle for spawning chinook salmon and a handful of steelhead, which arrive after traveling upstream hundreds of miles from the Pacific Ocean. We figured heavy rains were the culprit, and the guides kept reiterating this theme for the rest of the journey. We have to fly over at least once to spook any deer or elk off the strip, our pilot commented. But, take a little extra cash, there is so much to hunt in Africa you'll be sorry if you don't. And, well, there are all those diamonds! Interested in other Frank Church backcountry adventures? We intersect with a group of hiking/camping anglers venturing up from downstream who say the presence of salmon makes things tough. Just having the opportunity to float this wild and scenic river is the real value of this wilderness trip. Babe Winkleman Good Fishing / Outdoor Secrets, Bryan Oliver Quick Hits, Videos, Memes. The guests will travel the remaining 75-miles until the river links up with the Main Fork of the Salmon River. Middle Fork of the Salmon River Float Trip (Frank Church Wilderness, Idaho) Please note that all deposits and trip payments are non-refundable, and upon cancellation, payments will be forfeited, and no refund or trip credit will be issued. Hunt availability: Mid-September through mid-October. Flying into McCall, I catch a glimpse of our cabin roof far out on the edge of the tree line, just a stones throw from the North Fork of the Payette River. But his Humpies and Royal Wulffs didnt produce either. One of the earmarks of any Western trout stream is its ability to allow native, wild fish to proliferate, and Big Creek does it better than most. In the fading light of the second day, I wade downstream into a rolling series of pockets and pools, each trench not especially deep but secluded, terrific holding water for an ambush predator. Each tent is equipped with two large raised cots with inflatable mattresses. You can also turn layers on and off, including a layer that shows USFS airstrips. Electronic wire payments (client is responsible for any wiring fees). July 5 10 (full) I haven't heard about fires this year but from what I understand frank church has gotten pretty smashed by wolves lately. Meanwhile my companion had other ideas, and thought a bright attractor pattern might be the answer. If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, you have the opportunity to observe killdeer, ospreys, belted kingfishers, common mergansers, water ouzel, red-tailed hawks, golden eagle, bald eagles, grouse, chukar, and great horned owls. Then I remembered a long-ago trip I took on Montanas Yellowstone River, near Livingston. There is also a protected run of wild steelhead and Chinook salmon that come into the river later in the summer. Well, we told you we were going fishing, but we didnt say how we were getting there!, Speeding down the runway, far from the final threshold, the wheels left the ground, and I could feel the cushion of air sending us aloft as the pilot added more throttle and banked to the east over Long Valley. How do we stabilize water temperature in our . What our aircraft can carry depends on the strip and route to be flown, and can also depend on weather. As wilderness area goes, no roads or other signs of civilization were apparent. You can expect to be at the take out between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. BOISE, Idaho The Frank Church Wilderness features more than two million acres of protected wilderness, it's the largest connected wilderness area in the lower 48. The river itself carving through the decomposing ancient granite canyons provides a meditative and relaxing rhythm to your vacation. Im losing hope that bullies can be found here. All camp trips are five (5) nights with nearly six (6) full days on the water. Each morning you can expect fresh coffee, Dutch oven pastries, and fresh fruit to complement a hearty breakfast. At the end of the strip, the plane turned into the grass to make room for our counterparts just minutes behind us, and as we deplaned and began throwing luggage from the cargo hold to the ground, two cowboys and a few pack mules headed our way. The river itself carving through the decomposing ancient granite canyons provides a meditative and relaxing rhythm to your vacation. It would be a harrowing 60-mile trek in late November, through the most unforgiving country in the West. We dont usually have to delay for too long, but it can happen. Round-trip. These boats were developed in the 1940s by Woody Heinman with the help of Prince Helfrich, who is the grandfather of Jeff Helfrich (the outfitter of Tighlines Fishing). The outfitter can also utilize rafts for larger groups, families, and non-anglers. All trip cancellations must be received in writing, sent to Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, LLC. Taking in the dramatic scenery is always appreciated by anglers and non-anglers alike. General Information If someone were to tell me wed landed on pavement, Id believe them. Im backpacking into Big Creek for a fishing trip in August. Breakfast served 7:30-10:30 am Thursday through Sunday by reservation only. Expensivegrab a map and some gear and walk in Any word on if the recent fires have severely impacted things? August 14 19 (full), 2024 Trip Dates TERMS AND CONDITIONS CANCELLATIONS Participants were asked to choose one out of four expereinces for a chance to win the trip of a lifetime for themselves and a guest of their choice. . Our first glimpse of Big Creek was a shock. At least we hope., Most of our worries will come from the hornets, which sometimes nest on the ground. Its a fun map and gives some good reference, but it obviously should not be used for navigation! The swampers will set up your tent and cot for you at each camp and will haul your dry bags with all of your clothing and bedding each day up to camp and back to the sweeper boat as well. But land we did, albeit with precious room to spare. Was considering hiking in from crags but now looks like a flight may be a better choice. Killed by Sheepeater Indians. We are tired, a little sunburned and dehydrated, and smell like trout and sweat-soaked saddle leather but we are content. Whether cooked over coals in a Dutch oven or slowly roasted over juniper coals on an open fire, all the entrees are uniquely prepared and delicious. JavaScript is disabled. price over the last 2 weeks) Shuttle arrangements can be made for your car by the outfitter on the evening prior to launch if needed. Its my first and only encounter with what Im convinced was a monster Big Creek bull. The Frank Church Wilderness features more than two million acres of protected wilderness, it's the largest connected wilderness area in the lower 48. Between the rugged landscapes, wildflowers, bighorn sheep, deer, river otters, and the occasional mountain goats, the photography opportunities are endless. Its a false charge. The Frank Church Wilderness and River of No Return features some of the most remote terrain in the lower 48. You can only fit so much weight and volume in a plane. Just after seven, the plane swooped down and smacked the dirt runway. Whether climbing, kayaking, cycling, hiking or fishing, when we do these favorite pursuits, we are the verb: I am hiking; I am fishing. Dinner and drinks at the Mountain Village Resort or the Casino Club (not included in the package). After we passed by the smokejumper training course, pulled into the little mountain airport, and explained our true intentions, they scrambled for their phones, leaving a flurry of voicemails and text messages: Honey, I might not have cell reception for a few days.. Sat 5/20. Frank Church Wilderness Idaho Mule deer Hunt, Fly in DIY hunting in the River of no return Wilderness. Go. Each boat offers plenty of storage for your fishing tackle and gear, an ice-filled cooler for beverages and snacks, folding chairs for breaks and lunch, and throw bags, life vests, and first aid kits. - Call: 1-888-893-2820. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes. Book Your Jet Boat Tour! To be able to float this river, people either need to go on a commercial trip or private boaters need a permit, those are giving out after the Four Rivers Lottery that happens every year in January. I dont know what they were, but they were bigger than anything Ive seen!. A breathtaking 27-minute flight from McCall. The outfitter can accommodate any specific meal requirements, and all food is served in a healthy and sanitary manner. Dont be expecting to see large #s of game, especially if you are going for Elk. And, honestly, its fish aren't terribly impressive, at least when measured by their size. Payment Terms For All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings You will see evidence of them in the stories of their pictographs that still remain vividly drawn on the canyon walls. But we later learn the salmon are a blessing and a curse. For Spring flights, we prefer you give us at least two weeks notice, but if you call us up the day before and ask for a flight, well do everything we can to accommodate you. Jess and Dorothy Taylor owned and operated a hunting outfit from the ranch before the University of Idaho purchased the property in 1969. The fishing was great; the wilderness offered so much-wild raspberries, splendid wildflowers, plentiful deer, occasional elk, a few (thankfully) rattlesnakes, and the always intimidating piles of bear scat, plus cougar tracks and wolf howls in the night. Covering over 2.3 million acres, this area is one of the wildest places in the Lower 48. Skimming the treetops, we were flying low and slow, without a hint of turbulence. For your convenience, Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a direct and secure ACH platform a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. The hotel in Stanley has Wi-Fi and good cell reception, but that ends once you hit the river canyon. But there was more to come during our trip into Idaho's Frank Church Wilderness Area. But when the sun rises, we assemble our gear and make a crusade to the Cabin Creek runway. Just having the opportunity to float this wild and scenic river is the real value of this wilderness trip. Day 7 Float the last section of the Middle Fork to the confluence of the Salmon River. I cant wait to book my next one! Michele W. Non-anglers are welcomed, and there is a non-fishing rate available as well. I cant see the fish, just the black outline of its shadow on the cobble. Thankfully, there are no luggage fees for flying into the Frank Church wilderness from McCall, Idaho. Join the list to receive special offers, updates, and everything Free Range American. Like a grizzly sow protecting her young, the fish bends back into the shadows behind the rock. Documents Required Just as the first hints of daylight appeared on the horizon, we pulled up next to the hangar and watched confused looks wash over our cohorts faces. 1 of 2 Go to page. There is a great bar and quality restaurant next to your room as well as free WI-FI. Because the Frank Church is a protected wilderness area, all waste must be carried out of camp, and the staff does a wonderful job of keeping things tidy and clean.