Photo courtesy: Big Timber Outfitters

Guide Services are the human element that makes the difference between enjoying the natural beauty of the Idaho Wilderness and experiencing a life-changing trip to the greatest place on earth.   There are options for relaxing single-day & partial-day trips for sightseeing or fishing with minimal rapids, all the way up to multi-day whitewater trips for adrenaline junkies.  This web page is designed to help you find the perfect Idaho trip.  Most folks don’t realize that the Salmon Idaho area offers guided trips that are real experiences of hunting, rafting, fishing, horseback riding, 4-wheeling, camping, sightseeing and living a life like no other. Every guide listed here is licensed and experienced in bringing you the best trip you can imagine.

For more information about the Idaho Guide industry or other trips in Idaho,visit the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association website.

What to bring on your guided Idaho trip

Helpful tips directly from the experts.

Photo courtesy: Aggipah River Trips

Rafting

Thanks to Idaho River Adventures for providing this helpful list of items you may need for the best Multi-Day Rafting adventure.
  • Two or three T-shirts for on river and in camp. 
  • One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings.  Popular options are rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
  • One or two pair of long pants (jeans are fine for camp, loose-fitting, light pants are best for on river)  
  • Two or three pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton) 
  • Swimsuit – two-piece suits or river shorts and a sports bra are easier for women 
  • On River: One pair of river sandals (must have an ankle strap, no flip-flops!) Velcro is okay if in good condition.  Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold. 
  • For Camp: One pair of comfortable camp shoes.  Some people prefer a pair of flip flops as an alternative to wet river shoes. A lightweight walking shoe is great for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) 
  • One or two synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings and layering on the river 
  • Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms.  Best worn over a swimsuit and under shorts.
  • One QUALITY rain suit, jacket, and pants (expensive, but no cheap ponchos) 
  • One Cap, Hat or Visor 
  • Sunglasses with a head strap  
  • Underwear and socks 
  • Two pair wool or polypro socks to wear on the river 
  • One additional synthetic pile or wool shirt 
  • One mid-weight to heavy-weight pile jacket or wool sweater 
  • Wool or poly gloves & wool or poly hat (like a skiing hat)
  • One additional set of polypropylene or capilene long underwear (tops and bottoms)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries  
  • Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc. 
  • Toilet kit – toothbrush and paste, soap (Ivory or other biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, small pack of tissues, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc. 
  • Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested ALL glasses need a head strap!   
  • Water bottle or canteen with carabiner  
  • Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees
  • Camera – waterproof digital with extra batteries and memory card recommended. A waterproof case (Pelican) is also recommended for protection and ease of use.  
  • Paddling Gloves  
  • 2-3 Carabiners for clipping items to the boat 
  • Binoculars 
  • Plastic garbage bags (2-3 for separating dirty/wet clothes in your waterproof bag) 
  • Cards, games, books, musical instruments, journals, etc. 
  • Fishing gear and Idaho fishing license if you plan to fish – must be in a protective case & disassembled. We suggest you buy lures at McCoy’s Tackle Shop in Stanley (208-774-3377) as they have daily updates of what the fish are hitting. Only catch and release fishing with single barbless hooks is allowed!
image: scenic river overview

Fishing

Thanks to Big Timber Outfitters LLC and Idaho River Adventures for providing these helpful lists!
  • Idaho Fishing License.  Both in-state and non-resident licenses are available through the Idaho Fish & Game website.  You MUST have a current license to fish in Idaho if you are over the age of 14.  CLICK HERE FOR LICENSE 
  • Appropriate fishing gear for the type of fishing you want to do. All types of fishing require very specific fishing tackle… Fly fishing, spin casting, bait fishing, Steelhead, trout, whitefish, Sturgeon, etc… ALL require unique supplies.  Please ask your guide service about what they will supply for you and what you need to bring or buy when you arrive BEFORE you come.
  • Two or three T-shirts for on river and in camp. 
  • One light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and cool evenings.  Popular options are rash guard or sunscreen shirts.
  • One or two pair of long pants (jeans are fine for camp, loose-fitting, light pants are best for on river)  
  • Two or three pairs of shorts (nylon quick drying always better than cotton) 
  • Swimsuit – two-piece suits or river shorts and a sports bra are easier for women 
  • On River: One pair of river sandals (must have an ankle strap, no flip-flops!) Velcro is okay if in good condition.  Popular name brands include Chaco, Teva, Keen, or Merrells. Tennis shoes with polypro socks are a good option if your feet tend to get cold. 
  • For Camp: One pair of comfortable camp shoes.  Some people prefer a pair of flip flops as an alternative to wet river shoes. A lightweight walking shoe is great for cooler weather and hiking. (We don’t recommend you bring large hiking boots as they take up too much space and aren’t necessary.) 
  • One or two synthetic mid-weight sweaters for cool evenings and layering on the river 
  • Mid-weight to light-weight long underwear tops and bottoms.  Best worn over a swimsuit and under shorts.
  • One QUALITY rain suit, jacket, and pants (expensive, but no cheap ponchos) 
  • One Cap, Hat or Visor 
  • Sunglasses with a head strap  
  • Underwear and socks 
  • Two pair wool or polypro socks to wear on the river 
  • One additional synthetic pile or wool shirt 
  • One mid-weight to heavy-weight pile jacket or wool sweater 
  • Wool or poly gloves & wool or poly hat (like a skiing hat)
  • One additional set of polypropylene or capilene long underwear (tops and bottoms)
  • Flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries  
  • Skin lotion, lip balm, waterproof sunscreen, etc. 
  • Toilet kit – toothbrush and paste, soap (Ivory or other biodegradable is best, no soaps can be used in the river), camp towel, washcloth, comb, handkerchief, small pack of tissues, moist towelettes, shaving stuff, feminine sanitary supplies, etc. 
  • Extra eyeglasses and/or contact lenses strongly suggested ALL glasses need a head strap!   
  • Water bottle or canteen with carabiner  
  • Bee Sting kit for those allergic to bees

Hunting

Thanks to Big Timber Outfitters LLC for providing this comprehensive list to help make your hunting experience more enjoyable.

  • One (1) Sleeping Bag (Rating of at Least “10 Degrees” from Late August-September & “0 Degrees” through Winter Months)
  • One (1) Heavy, Warm Coat (Preferably Camo, Waterproof, & Heavy)
  • One (1) Light Jacket or Windbreaker
  • Two (2) Warm Caps (Stocking Cap/Baseball Style Cap)
  • Two (2) Pair Wool or Insulated/Waterproof Pants
  • Two (2) Pair Jeans
  • Two (2) Changes of Thermal Underwear (Top & Bottom)
  • One (1) Set Proper Camouflage Clothing
  • Two (2) Pair Boots (1 Pair Warm & Waterproof, 1 Pair Light Hiking & Gaiters)
  • One (1) Pair Comfy Camp Shoes or Slippers
  • Six (6) Pair Warm Socks
  • One (1) Pair Warm Gloves
  • One (1) Set Quiet Rain Gear
  • Flashlight + Batteries
  • Quality Hunting Knife
  • Binoculars
  • Shatterproof Water Bottle or Canteen
  • Waterproof Matches & Lighter
  • Emergency Blanket
  • Day Pack
  • Heavy-Duty Game
  • Bags
  • Bow Sling
  • Extra Bow String & Stringer (When Applicable)
  • Extra Broad Heads (When Applicable)
  • Practice Tips (When Applicable)

  • Camouflage Face Paint
  • Pliers
  • Masking Scents
  • First Aid Kit
  • Game Calls
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Biodegradable Soap,
    Wash Cloth &Towel
  • Camera
  • Prescription/OTC Drugs

Video Collection from Guides serving the Salmon, Idaho area

Adventures in real-time provided by some of the best guides in the West!

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