Our Middle Fork Salmon Fly Fishing Boats and Gear

Fishing Rafts 

Our custom fishing rafts are smaller and narrower than conventional oar rafts, which allow the guide to maneuver them more like a drift boat.

The benefit of our custom fishing rafts is that two people can simultaneously fish aggressively (or relax) from both the front and rear casting decks. This allows for more fishing time for both anglers on board.

Please ask if you have any questions about about selecting your craft.  As water levels drop, it becomes impractical to use drift boats so during our late August and September fishing trips you will be fishing from a fishing raft only.

Orvis Endorsed

Solitude River Trips is the only Orvis Endorsed outfitter on the Salmon River. We provide high quality fly fishing gear for each guest on our Middle Fork Salmon River Fly Fishing trips. If you would like to fish your own gear here is a list of what we recommend. 

Fly Rod

A 5 weight rod, ~9ft is ideal for fly fishing from the boats on the Middle Fork. The 100+mile Middle Fork of the Salmon transforms from a large creek at the beginning of your trip (3 or 4wt rod most fun), to a sizable river in the Impassable Canyon (4 or 5 wt rod is best by the end).

Reels

There are many good reels on the market, and Orvis has some of the best. For durability and a great price, try the Battenkill reel. For a top reel in the industry, check out the CFO series.

Leaders & Tippet

Tapered leaders approximately 7-9 feet long, 6 lb 4X are best. These fish are not leader shy.

Wading

You will not need waders or hip waders! If you plan to wade during lunch or while we are at camp, the Orvis Clearwater Wading Shoe or similar water shoe or sturdy sandal is ideal.