Time for “an oldie, but a goodie.” Because it’s that time of year here in Idaho.
The Middle Fork of the Salmon River has long been known as one of the best backcountry floats in the Lower 48, and for good reason. The dry-fly fishing for native cutthroats is unparalleled. The river is wild and roadless, with emphasis on “wild.”
Todd Moen of Catch Magazine captures the Middle Fork in all its angry glory in the short film above, first posted some eight years ago. The west slope cutthroats that inhabit the Middle Fork are among the most willing native trout I’ve ever encountered, and the river, of course, is an untamed waterway that literally transports boaters and anglers back in time. And, if you’re not careful, you might end up going for a swim.
And the best time to fish it? Right about now.
— Chris Hunt