Fly Fishing Idaho vs. Montana: An Angler's Guide to Choosing the Best Destination

A Convenient Accident

My discovery of Idaho happened by chance. I was returning home to Washington from Montana and had a few days to kill. I stopped in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to a cool little fly shop, well, because it was a cool little fly shop. This was a long time ago so my memory is a little foggy. I remember the owner being talkative and friendly, I remember it being one of the few fly shops that carried Loop reels, and I remember him suggesting I should stick around for a few days and giving Idaho a chance. He suggested a cheap motel, some water to fish and a hand full of flies. I still owe him for that, it turned out to be an excellent two days of fishing. 

Enough To Get You Started

Here are some of the more known rivers and creeks to get you started. A deep dive into Google and you will find endless rivers, streams and wilderness to plan a truly off the grid Idaho fly fishing experience. 

Frank Church River of No Return

Located in central Idaho, the Frank Church River of No Return is not a river at all; what it is is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states. Its rugged mountains, alpine lakes, and pristine rivers, most notably the Middle Fork and Main Salmon River, offer world-class fly fishing for native cutthroat, bull trout, and other species. Access is primarily by floatplane or multi-day rafting trips, making it a true wilderness angling experience.

 Boundary Creek

 Located in central Idaho within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Boundary Creek is a small, remote stream offering a true backcountry fly fishing experience. The Boundary Creek Campground is accessible by dirt road. From the campgrounds it's a short hike to the creek. It boasts native westslope cutthroat and rainbow trout, eager to take dry flies and small nymphs in its pristine waters. The creek's secluded nature and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for adventurous anglers seeking solitude and wild fish.

Bear Valley Creek

A tributary of the Middle Fork Salmon River in central Idaho, meanders through the stunning Bear Valley within the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Accessible via dirt roads, the creek offers diverse fishing for native westslope cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, bull trout, and even Chinook salmon. Anglers can enjoy wade fishing or kayaking along the creek, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.

South Fork of the Snake River

The South Fork of the Snake River, a tailwater fishery originating below Palisades Dam on the Idaho-Wyoming border, is renowned for its world-class dry fly fishing. Abundant hatches and diverse trout populations, including native Yellowstone cutthroat and trophy-sized rainbows and browns, make it a premier destination. The river's scenic canyon setting and consistent flows further enhance the angling experience.

Silver Creek

Located south of Sun Valley, Idaho, Silver Creek is a spring-fed stream renowned for its technical fly fishing. The clear, slow-moving water and selective trout demand precise presentations of small, imitative flies. Anglers can expect to find rainbow and brown trout feeding on abundant hatches of mayflies, caddisflies, and other aquatic insects.

The Silver Creek Preserve protects 12,000 acres of the creek and its surrounding habitat. That's a lot of casting space. Various sections of the creek offer diverse fishing experiences, including the Preserve, the Conservancy water, and the Purdy Ranch.

A Few More Reasons to Fly Fish Idaho

Lodging, non-resident licenses, food, and supplies are generally less expensive in Idaho compared to Montana. Plus, you won't have to deal with the wave of "Yellowstone" TV show-influenced tourists crowding the rivers and driving up prices.

Wilderness, Wildlife, and Wallet-Friendly

I would give Idaho serious consideration if you are wanting to plan a fly fishing trip. Choose a vehicle with good ground clearance, pick a destination, and go. It's a beautiful, wild state with streams and rivers in all directions. KB

“The gods do not deduct from man’s allotted span the hours spent in fishing.” - Herbert Hoover