5-Day Salmon River and Hells Canyon Guided Cast and Blast

We are the only outfitter that targets steelhead exclusively with spey rods on the Lower Salmon.   We believe the process of fishing a swung fly will have a deep impact on your life.  The process allows all of us the ability to build a deeper connection with the places we guide.  We look forward to sharing these experiences with you.

You can expect to fish 5 to 7 runs in a day or areas on the river that carry a swung fly across the current.  There is nothing like catching a steelhead on a swung fly, but the journey is a commitment. 

We refer to steelhead as “Unicorns” because of the scarcity within our ecosystems.  They are aggressive and large which makes the fight particularly memorable and rewarding. With steelhead fishing, success is not measured in high catch rates rather success is measured in the innate ability to stick with the process. 

Oftentimes, multiple days are required to hook a steelhead on a swung fly, but the rush and effort of battling a steelhead are worth the effort after dedicating hard-earned time to the grab.  Even when a fish is lost after a grab, that sensation will be engrained in your memory. 

As they say, it is better to have swung and lost than to have never swung at all. Swinging for steelhead is more about the journey, listening to and feeling the river, playing with physics in nature, observing wildlife, feeling alive with the cold air and warm sun, accepting whatever conditions are in the moment.   When preparation meets opportunity and the fish grabs the fly,  the experience will be unforgettable and euphoric (all that time you put in, finally paid off!)

White Pine targets steelhead using a swung fly with spey rods.  Spey rods are two handed rods and very in length, the rods we use vary from 12.6’-16’.  Many lines  are used for the modern spey rod set up, the types depend on the season, angler skill set, and water conditions.  We primarily use three set ups:

• Skagit (heads are short) they carry large weighted flies with a verity of sink tips, requiring stripping more running lines between casts. 
• Scandi lines are slightly longer heads that carry light poly tips and medium/small flies well, require less stripping running lines between casts.
• Mid belly lines carry poly leaders and a variety of tips with small/medium sized flies well while requiring minimal stripping between casts.

The mechanics of the cast involve roughly 80% power coming from the lower hand pulling and 20% power coming from the upper hand pushing to throw line almost perpendicular to main river current. 

The current then pulls the fly line down river in a sweeping motion (the swing) until the fly line is parallel with the bank.   At the end of the "swing", the angler strips in the running line while taking a couple steps down river and repeats the process.

With this method the fly is presented to the fish in a broadside fashion.  We are searching for a fish willing to move and grab a swung fly. 

The formula is simple: 

• Cast
• Swing 
• Step 
• Repeat

Until .... Grab... and Grin!

When a steelhead grabs a swung fly all things in life come together and seem to make more sense.  Don’t overthink it, put in the time, smile often and love the process.  Yes, it takes grit and focus to hook a steelhead but most things in life worth getting hooked on demand the desire to stick with it mentality.

Find yourself on an adventure into the rugged canyons of the Salmon River, the hills, and the land where the little red-legged devils live. The landscape is rugged and mostly intact. It has soul, it will harden your quads and soften your eyes. Chukar country reveals itself as the one that has stood the test of time.  These canyons don't care about the status quo, they are sturdy and weathered with features and scars dating back 40,000,000 mile years.  

Nestled within these expansive canyons, the elusive chukar partridge brings a touch of beauty and uniqueness to the rugged landscapes. These charming birds, with their distinctive markings, find refuge on the canyon walls, creating a mesmerizing sight against the natural backdrop. Hunting chukars is a thrilling experience that takes upland game hunting to the next level, as these little birds make their homes in remote and challenging terrains. Venturing into the vastness of Idaho's canyons to pursue the chukar promises not only an exciting hunt but also an opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking scenery that serves as the backdrop for this captivating avian adventure.

The chukar shares these vast canyons the Hungarian partridge, commonly known as the hun. These two avian species coexist amidst the rugged beauty, creating a unique tapestry of wildlife in the heart of Idaho's canyons. Much like their chukar counterparts, huns add an extra layer of excitement to the hunting experience, as they, too, prefer the remote and challenging terrain.

Embarking on a hunting expedition for chukars and huns in the canyons of Idaho unveils a double delight for enthusiasts. The striking contrast between the chukar's canyon wall nests and the huns' ground-level habitats showcases the diversity of these birds' adaptations to their surroundings. The thrill of the hunt becomes a harmonious symphony of chasing chukars across elevated heights and seeking out huns amidst the rocky landscapes.

This combined pursuit not only elevates the hunting experience but also provides a rare opportunity to witness the convergence of nature's wonders in one of the most captivating regions of Idaho. As hunters navigate the remote canyons, they become participants in a thrilling story of survival and beauty, where chukars and huns coalesce to create an unforgettable adventure amidst the rugged allure of the Idaho wilderness.

Take your pursuit of chukar and huns in the captivating canyons of Idaho to the next level with the exceptional skills of German Wire-Haired Pointers. Renowned for their stamina, agility, and versatility as gun dogs, these four-legged companions play a crucial role in the success of the hunting expeditions. The coats of these pointers are tailored perfectly for the rugged Idaho Wilderness, providing protection against the diverse weather conditions and ensuring the dogs remain comfortable throughout the hunt.

The German Wire-Haired Pointers, meticulously trained by White Pine Outfitters, embody the epitome of a superior hunting partner. Their innate ability to cover vast amounts of ground is indispensable in navigating the expansive and challenging terrains of the Idaho Wilderness. With a keen sense of smell and an unwavering determination, these dogs point chukar and huns, adding an element of precision to the hunting experience.

Not only are these dogs exceptional hunters, but they also participate in NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association) natural ability tests, showcasing their inherent talents. Committed to excellence, White Pine Outfitters' German Wire-Haired Pointers are actively working towards meeting the Utility Test standards, further underlining their prowess as skilled and disciplined hunting companions.

 As they tirelessly navigate the canyons, the partnership between hunters and their German Wire-Haired Pointers unfolds as a harmonious blend of skill, agility, and camaraderie, contributing to a truly unforgettable and successful hunting experience in the heart of Idaho's canyons.

Discover a camping experience like no other with White Pine Outfitters, where we redefine outdoor living on the river. What sets us apart is our specialization in fall and winter camping, offering a unique and serene adventure that stands out from the rest.

In the crisp embrace of fall and winter, our guests enjoy the ultimate comfort in 4-season specialty tents equipped with cots and heaters. Unlike traditional camping, we bring you warmth and coziness, ensuring a restful night's sleep amidst the tranquility of the season. Our outfitter wall tent becomes a welcoming haven, heated by a wood stove—ideal for drying gear and escaping the cool winter air.

But it's not just about the accommodation; it's a culinary journey. Our guides are experts in crafting unique and gourmet meals, providing you with the sustenance needed to fully immerse yourself in fishing or hunting. Indulge in delectable dishes that fuel your adventures and elevate your camping experience to new heights. White Pine Outfitters invites you to savor the solitude of fall and winter, combining unparalleled camping comfort with the thrill of outdoor exploration.

• Day 1

  • Meet at Cottonwood Foods at 7:00 am
  • Drive to put in 45 minutes 
  • Trip launches 9:00 am
  • Lunch on the river
  • Approximate river miles 15-20 miles
  • Off water by 4:00 pm
  • Appetizers and cocktails at 5:00 pm
  • Dinner at camp

• Days 2 and 3

  • Coffee at 6:00 am
  • Warm breakfast in camp 7:00 am
  • Hunt from camp 8:00 am
  • Eat pack lunch on mountain
  • Hunt until 2:00 PM
  • Head back to rafts and motor down river to new camp (approximant river miles 8-15)
  • Appetizers at 6:00 pm
  • Dinner at 7:00 pm

• Day 4

• Coffee at 6:00 am
• Warm breakfast in camp 7:00 am
• Hunt from camp 8:00 am
• eat pack lunch on mountain
• Hunt until 4:00 PM
• Appetizers at 5:00 pm
• Dinner at 6:00 pm

Day 5

• Coffee at 6:00 am
• Warm Breakfast in camp 7:00 am
• Pack up personal gear/help crew break down camp
• On water by 9:00 am
• Approximate miles on the river: 6-15 miles depending on season and weather
• Arrive at Heller Bar takeout at 2:00-3:00 pm

*PLEASE NOTE:

Itineraries will vary somewhat with each trip, however the sample provided will give you an idea of what you might expect on your trip.

The price shown is per person for the full advertised number of days, however, does not include the Hotel stay in Moscow. 

Price does not include guide gratuity (15-20% is customary) or fishing/hunting licenses and permits. Trips must be booked at least 120 days in advance. 

Available launch dates are below:

Fall - Steelhead trips, Cast and blast 
October 20th October 27th

Trip Provisions

ALL TRIP PROVISIONS

For all trips, White Pine provides the following to each guest:

ADDITIONAL MULTIDAY TRIP PROVISIONS

On multiday trips, White Pine provides the following to each guest:

ADDITIONAL FISHING TRIP PROVISIONS

On fishing specific trips trips, White Pine provides the following:

Preparing for your Trip

LIABILITY WAIVER 

Due to the potential risks of the outdoors, everyone is required to sign a standard liability release form sent in a confirmation at least thirty days before the start of your trip, acknowledging awareness of and acceptance of the risks associated with the trip you have selected. The guides and White Pine Outfitters will attempt to meet all schedules, but assume no responsibility for inconvenience or expense due to delays or changes.

HEALTH AND AGE  You should be reasonably healthy because river trips require a certain amount of physical exertion. We suggest a minimum age appropriate for each of our specific trips. There is no upper age limit. Pregnant women and individuals with heart trouble should get physician approval before embarking on any river trip.  Persons with handicaps and challenges are welcome on our trips, we will need to talk with you to be sure we can meet your special requirements and needs for safety.

RECOMMENDED CLOTHING (AVOID COTTON)

Cool weather can occur on any trip regardless of the time of year, it can be quite chilly when it's overcast, breezy, or raining, even in August.  The right clothing can make your river trip comfortable even in unfavorable weather.  Clothing on a river trip must have the ability to keep you warm even if it gets wet.  Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene, capilene, Synchilla, and polyester pile will keep you warm when wet and will dry quickly.  Wool will keep you warm when wet, but takes longer to dry.  Cotton does not keep you warm when it is wet, but it can keep you cool when it’s hot.  Warm and sunny weather is more likely to occur on a summer trip down the Salmon River, cold and rainy weather will be more likely in the fall and winter. 

FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES

If you plan on fishing you will need to purchase an IDAHO fishing license.  

If fishing for steelhead, purchase an additional IDAHO steelhead/salmon permit. 

If trip is a Cast and Blast, purchase an additional IDAHO hunting license and upland game bird permit.

Purchase these licenses online at the Idaho Fish and Game website and printing a copy or you can get one at Tri-State Distributor's in Moscow before your trip and include license numbers in the liability form.  

BEVERAGES

Dehydration is always a concern on a river trip, thus we encourage you to drink lots of water and we ask that you bring two unbreakable water bottles that hold a minimum of one quart each.  Juice and coffee will always be available at breakfast and tea (black & herbal), and hot chocolate will be available at camp in the mornings and evenings. Gatorade mix and water will be available at all meals (including lunch) and whenever we are at camp.  White Pine Outfitters provides limited amounts of beer and soda (approximately 2 cans per person per day).  You may bring as much additional beer and soda as you want, but we do request that you buy these in aluminum cans.  White Pine Outfitters also provides a modest amount of wine to have with dinners.  If you wish to bring your own favorite wines or if you want to bring hard liquor you are welcome to do so.  We will provide a safe place to store these glass containers.  A liquor store is located in Moscow close to the hotel and is open Monday - Saturday (Closed Sundays). Wine and beer can be purchased in any grocery store (Winco is located next to the hotel and is open 24 hours a day).

PACK LIST

*We recommend that you separate any important medication into 2 containers and allow us to carry 1 container in our well-protected First Aid Kit.  We will need to know of any health concerns you have prior to the beginning of your trip, so we can be prepared.

GRATUITY 

Our guides work very hard to provide a great trip for you.  At your discretion, a tip (20%) may be left with your trip leader and will be appreciated by all of your crew.

RESPONSIBILITY 

White Pine Outfitters acts only in the capacity of agents for the participants in all matters relating to transportation/accommodation/and other related travel services, and assume no responsibility however caused for injury, delay, loss, or damage to person or property in connection with any service, including but not limited to that resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays and expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, theft, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, government restriction or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit over which they have no control.  Prices and dates subject to change without notice.  If, as occasionally happens, we must cancel a trip because there are too few participants, we will attempt to notify you as soon as possible and suggest that you transfer to another trip.  Reasonable changes in itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of participants, including cancellations due to water fluctuations, insufficient bookings, and other factors.

• After submitting a booking request, we will call you as soon as possible (usually within 24-48 hours) to collect information about you and your group, learn about trip intentions and goals, and answer any questions you may have.
• We will send an email with:
• An invoice with the total amount due for the trip. 
• Liability forms that need to be forwarded to guests on the trip.  These are required before any client can participate in a trip.  Sign these online.
• All licenses should be purchased and information included in the liability forms.
• Trip specific information, including location, meet time, maps, etc.
• After a 50% deposit is paid for the trip, or the full amount for trips less than 30 days out, we will assign a guide and block off your requested trip date.
• After 30 days, the remaining amount on the invoice and liability forms are due.

Day Trip Cancellations

Final payment is due 30 days before the date or your trip.

Reservations made 30 days or less before selected date required the full payment at time of booking to confirm your date.

All deposits are non-refundable.  

If the trip is cancelled within 30 days of your date, you must pay for your trip. 

Day Trip Reschedule

If you need to reschedule your trip, please contact White Pine Outfitters by phone (208-883-3900) or email (info@whitepine-outfitters.com) as soon as possible to ensure a date is available.

White Pine Outfitters may assess a $150 fee for rescheduling.

Any cancellations made less than 30 days of your scheduled arrival, or you do not show on the day of your trip will result in forfeiture of the full payment.

Multi-Day Trip Cancellations

If you find it necessary to cancel your trip please notify us as soon as possible. All deposits are non-refundable. If you cancel your trip more than 120 days prior to your departure date we will retain your deposit and credit it toward a future trip with White Pine Outfitters. If you cancel 120 day or less but more than 60 days prior to your launch date you must pay 50% of the trip price. If you cancel within 60 days of your trip departure, you must pay the full trip price. This cancellation policy applies per person. We regret we cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. Because of this, we strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation and travel insurance (see Travel Insurance).

Travel Insurance / Life Flight Insurance

Your pre-trip package will provide more information on the rigors of the trip you have chosen. Even though we make every effort to insure a safe trip for everyone, we strongly recommend that you protect yourself, your belongings, and your vacation by purchasing a traveler’s insurance policy. Should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness or injury, a trip cancellation policy will cover your non-refundable payments in most cases. If you become ill or injured while on a river trip, evacuation may be prolonged, difficult and expensive. Many trip insurance policies cover such events. If you choose not to purchase travel insurance you will be asked to sign a waiver. Baggage and cameras are carried entirely at the owner’s risk, and White Pine Outfitters Inc. accepts no responsibility for lost, damaged, or delayed property. We recommend TRAVELEX.