Salmon River Steelhead
Guided Drift Boat Trips
Idaho Drift Boat Steelhead Fishing
Salmon River – Riggins, Idaho
Guided Steelhead Fishing Trips on the Salmon River
Steelhead fishing isn’t just something we do—it’s what we live for. Our guided Idaho steelhead fishing trips on the Salmon River are built around dedication, quality, and a true passion for the fish and the river. Whether you’re a first-time angler or a seasoned steelheader, each trip is customized to match your experience level, goals, and fishing style.
Spend the day pursuing Idaho steelhead (ocean-run rainbow trout) while drifting through the rugged beauty of the Salmon River Canyon, surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife. With miles of Idaho’s most productive steelhead water directly accessible from our headquarters in Riggins, Idaho, we offer anglers exceptional opportunities to fish some of the best stretches of river in the state.
All trips are guided in comfortable drift boats by professional, experienced guides who know the river, its history, and its fisheries inside and out. We provide quality rods, reels, steelhead tackle, a hearty lunch, and a propane heater to keep you comfortable on colder days. Fly fishing is encouraged early in the season when conditions are ideal.
Our steelhead season runs from mid-September through March. Please call for current river conditions and fishing updates.
Fall “King” Salmon Fishing
The Fall Chinook (King) Salmon season is short but exciting, with peak fishing typically from mid-September through early October. The successful reintroduction of Fall Kings to the Lower Salmon River has produced excellent catch rates in recent years, offering anglers powerful fish and unforgettable battles. While some fish are still in good condition for the smoker early in the season, quality can vary as spawning approaches, and meat often softens by early October.
This is a unique opportunity to experience another incredible fishery on the iconic Salmon River.
- Salmon River | Riggins, Idaho
- 7am to 4pm
- Mid September - March
Salmon River Steelhead Trips Includes:
- Scenic jet boat ride through the legendary Salmon River and its deep canyon wilderness
- Exciting whitewater runs mixed with smooth cruising and jaw-dropping scenery
- Stops at pristine river beaches for relaxing, exploring, and soaking it all in
- Outstanding wildlife viewing—bighorn sheep and bald eagles are common, with chances to spot bears, otters, and osprey
- Historic sites and river stories shared by knowledgeable, local captains
- Fresh, delicious riverside lunch with plenty of drinks included
- Unmatched photo opportunities in Idaho’s most iconic wilderness corridor
- A true all-day wilderness escape—no crowds, no stress, just adventure This is Idaho river touring at its finest—and it’s why the Salmon River tour is a guest favorite year after year.
Let's Book Your Adventure
Your adventure with S & S River Outfitters is just a click away. Whether you’re chasing whitewater, wildlife, history, or pure wilderness relaxation, we’ll take care of the details—you just bring your sense of adventure.
Give us a Call: (208) 628-3733
We fish some of the most spectacular wilderness in the country. With permits covering more river miles in Idaho than any other fishing outfitter, we can always put you on the fish. If conditions aren’t ideal in one area, we simply move to another. Using jet boats or drift boats, we access remote water few others can reach—delivering the best possible fishing experience every time.
Hells Canyon offers some of the best year-round fishing opportunities in Idaho. The Snake River’s consistent water temperatures create one of the highest fish-per-mile river sections in the region, supporting a diverse and healthy fishery. Anglers can target steelhead, trout, smallmouth bass, prehistoric white sturgeon, and fall Chinook salmon. Our custom jet boats are designed to safely navigate the canyon’s challenging whitewater, providing reliable access to prime fishing areas and a truly memorable river experience.
The “River of No Return” the Salmon River is the largest undammed river in the lower 48 states, with hundreds of miles of natural spawning habitat for wild steelhead. Flowing largely through protected wilderness, the Salmon River offers breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife throughout its corridor. It is nationally recognized for strong runs of both wild and hatchery steelhead, along with excellent opportunities for trout, bass, and salmon fishing.
Fishing Season Calendar
Call Us for Current Fishing Conditions
(208) 628-3733
