Salmon River Drifters

Salmon River Drifters runs guided drift boat fishing trips on the Salmon River from Riggins, Idaho. Owner Fred specializes in plug fishing - a technique that provokes steelhead and salmon into striking by triggering their territorial instincts rather than trying to convince them to feed.

"When a steelhead bites, the rod buckles, and line screams off the reel in an insane display of power. There's nothing quite like that moment—one that leaves many anglers forever hooked on steelhead fishing."

Plugs are buoyant diving lures that float until current forces them underwater where they dart and wiggle. The guides deploy plugs 40-60 feet downstream from the boat, then slowly drift backward while the plugs work 6-8 feet down where fish hold.

• •Key rule: Don't grab the rod when it bends - let the fish commit and turn its head before the hooks set themselves.

• •Steelhead fishing day trips (including spey fishing)
• •Multi-day steelhead packages
• •Salmon fishing day trips
• •Smallmouth bass day trips and overnight packages
• •River shuttle services

Classic metallics work best: Pink, Green, Blue, Gold, Copper, Purple. Proven patterns include "Captain America," "Green Pirate," "Mother-Of-Pearl," and "Slammer."

In addition to fishing, Salmon River Drifters offers chukar hunting trips in the rugged terrain around Riggins.

The Salmon River Domes Getaway combines multi-day fishing with unique dome lodging for an all-inclusive experience.

Salmon River Drifters operates under Bureau of Land Management special use permits from the Cottonwood Office. Licensed, bonded, and insured Idaho outfitter #24881.