Idaho Fly Fishing: An Angler's Paradise

We are proud to have been accepted as one of the very few Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodges. Orvis bases their endorsement on the high quality of sportfishing available, as well as on the high quality of amenities offered in lodging and dining.

With over 50 miles of freestone stream fishing in and adjacent to the largest Wilderness area in the Lower 48, Wapiti Meadow offers both beginning and experienced fly enthusiasts the best in wade fishing on the headwaters of the legendary Salmon River system, including the blue-ribbon cutthroat waters of the mighty Middle Fork.

Nine lakes accessed by horseback, foot, or 4x4 trails provide opportunities to enjoy the alpine reaches of the spectacular Salmon River Mountains, as well as its stream valleys. Secluded, unspoiled, and people-free, the pure waters of this most remote area in the Rocky Mountain West offers the best in wild sport fishing.

Many streams and numerous high mountain lakes ensure variety in a full week of fly fishing adventure.

Streams

Our guides are thoroughly knowledgeable about every inch of our fine trout streams, which are included in a 1000 square mile outfitting area stretching from the South Fork of the Salmon River on the West to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on the East. All our streams can be accessed by day-trips, with the Middle Fork, Indian Creek, and Lower Pistol Creek being in quick reach via air.

Two days of fishing with an overnight camp on the Middle Fork, just a 15 minute flight from the ranch (or two days on horseback!), is included in the week-long fly fishing package. One day of Middle Fork fishing with the round-trip air charter flight is included in the three day package. All other streams are accessed by 4x4 or a quick stroll out your cabin door.

Lakes

A hike to "No-Name" Lake, where the absence of any trail testifies to the few people who ever enjoy its deep green waters and bountiful supply of native Cutthroat, takes you past Middle Lake and just over the ridge from Fish Lake, all of which are excellent fishing and offer guests the opportunity to be in as remote a spot as is possible in the Lower 48. These and most other lakes are day-trips from the ranch. We offer some, deep in the River of No Return Wilderness, that can be accessed by horseback and camping.

Ponds

The ranch pond supplies us with nice Brook Trout (nicer by the year, since we try to catch-and-release those) and tremendous Rainbow (both of which spawn there, although we have an aggressive stocking program for the Rainbow). The pond is not large, but it is perfect for teaching fly techniques, polishing skills, and supplying wonderful breakfast side-dishes freshly baked or fried, and delicious appetizers or first courses smoked for dinner.

We always catch and release on streams, as well as our high mountain lakes, but our pond is there for the angler who loves to taste as well as catch.

Tackle

With our Orvis shop, where you can purchase all your "tip end" supplies, we also offer a selection of the finest Orvis rods and reels with which you can experiment on our waters. Use of fly rods, fly reels, and waders is complimentary for all guests who book any fly-fishing packages, including day-trips. The shop is also stocked with all manner of Orvis equipment which is available for sale or to order.

Fishing Regulations

Fishing on all streams and lakes is open from late May though October. Fly fishing is best on our streams after July 1st, when Spring run-off has abated and the waters have cleared. A fishing license is not needed on the private ranch pond, but all other fishing requires a license for persons 14 and over. These are available locally.

In addition to our fully guided fly fishing vacations, which we recommend for the novice fly fisher or those who have never fished western streams before, we have the following fishing plans from which you can select an option best suited to your experience and pocketbook.

Non-Guided Fly Fishing Option

Fish all or part of your vacation without guide services but with access to all our local and wilderness streams and lakes. This option is perfect for the experienced fly fisherman who arrives at the ranch with his own transportation to access the full array of our local streams. Our equipment, which is included in the fully guided plan is available for rent to our unguided guests.

Semi-Guided Fly Fishing Option

Fish for a day or two or more with a guide, then strike off on your own to enjoy the solitude of our backcountry streams and lakes. We can schedule guided days at the beginning of your stay so you can learn the area and the waters here. You may wish to schedule a guided day or days for the Middle Fork, our "fly-out" blue ribbon cutthroat river.

Non-Guided Fly-Out to Middle Fork of Salmon

For our non-guided guests who wish to fish our great Middle Fork of the Salmon River waters, we will be happy to arrange flights to and from the stream on a daily basis.

One-on-one Guided Fishing Option

For those vacationing without a fishing partner or those wishing for even more intensive instruction or interaction with their guide, we offer a one-on-one guided fishing option.