Trip Details
Duration: 4 Day, 3 Night Fall Dry Fly Fishing Trips
River: Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Upper 36 miles)
Boat Options: Fishing Rafts
1 Guest Per Boat
Max group size of 7 guests, guests fly out at end of the trip and back to Stanley, ID
Trip Highlights
• Amazing time of year to experience the Middle Fork!
• Unsurpassed dry fly fishing for westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout
• Enjoy a more solitary experience with fewer people on the water.
• Vibrant fall foliage and breathtaking views make this an unforgettable experience.
• Deluxe camps complete with full size tents, cots, hot showers and family style dining.
The Premium Fly Fishing Experience!
Experience the wilderness luxury, autumn colors and world class fishing of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.
Due to water levels, the Upper Middle Fork sees very few anglers from late July on each season until we arrive for these trips in the fall. The lower river flows force the commercial and private boaters to launch from a lower spot on the river, leaving the upper Middle Fork practically untouched for much of the season. The cooler nights cause river temperature to drop, signaling the larger trout to begin their migration down out of the tributaries and into the main stem of the river. The low summer flows in the upper section of river provides our anglers with amazing pocket fishing. We are using all dry flies to entice these energetic native fish as we work our way through rock gardens and beautiful canyons, dropping over 1300 feet in elevation over the course of 4-days. This trip is known as one of the premium fly fishing trips that the Middle Fork and the world has to offer.
One of the well kept secrets of the Middle Fork is the wonderful fly fishing the river offers in late August and September! Come enjoy the some of the best fishing the Middle Fork offers during a quieter time on the river. September is known for the beautiful fall colors and few river floaters.
Come enjoy this world class dry fly fishing in the middle of the largest wilderness area in the continental United States. September is also loved by many as the best time of year on the river because of the lack of visitors this time of year.
These trips are run as 4-day fly fishing trips with the option to extend your trip from a 4-day to a 9-day trip.
Helfrich River Outfitters, Inc. is operated under special use permit with the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Helfrich River Outfitters, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider.
River Accommodations

Glamping
Camping with Helfrich Outfitters on the Middle Fork is better labeled as ‘Glamping’, or glamorous camping, because of the deluxe accommodations that are provided at every campsite. Upon arriving in camp each afternoon, guests can expect everything to be set up and ready for them to enjoy. Each of our spacious tents accommodates 2 guests with comfortable cots and air pads for sleeping. The site is equipped with dining tables, lounge chairs, a hot shower, warm water wash station, hand washing facilities, a privacy toilet, ice and cocktail table, and a complete kitchen.

Arrival
When guests arrive in camp they can pick a tent, grab a cold drink, munch on appetizers, relax and enjoy activities around camp. Each trip is focused on the customer’s interests and guides are available to lead activities by request.The afternoons and evenings provide plenty of time for additional fishing, swimming, hiking, artifact hunting, photography, playing games, soaking in hot springs, reading a good book with toes in the water or just relaxing and watching the river float by.

Cuisine
The gourmet food on the Middle Fork makes this trip even more inviting. All meals are prepared in Dutch ovens and on the barbeque over open coals. Fresh baked Dutch oven breads, made from scratch, are prepared each day along with top quality meats and fish. Each meal is sure to please and are all accompanied by plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Duel entree dinners and a wide variety of side dishes provide great options at each meal. If there is any room left in ones stomach after the evening’s premier event, a delightful dessert is sure to follow.
Beyond the Banks

Hot Springs
The Middle Fork is known for it’s natural hot springs. These hot springs are places where hot water naturally bubbles up from the earth and provides warm pools abundant in minerals. From natural rock pools and hot waterfalls to a handmade wooden tub, each of the five best hot springs along the river is unique and offers a great chance to relax and soak in the hot mineral water. Be sure to experience some or all of these warm relaxing springs during your river trip.
Hiking
Each day our guests have the chance to experience wonderful activities both on and off the river. Guests who would like to be more physically active will love the abundant hiking opportunities on trails both along the river and away from the river to visit unique sites. Hikes along the river will take you to stunning waterfalls, natural hot springs, native american historical sights and old homesteads.


Historical Sights
Well before people began visiting the Middle Fork for recreation, it was home to the Sheepeater Indian tribe and later minors and homesteaders. The Middle Fork of the Salmon no longer has people living along it’s banks however there are still many native american camps and homestead sights still noticeable. During your trip we would love to share these historical sights with you and tell the fun stories that go along with them..