Seeing the Idaho backcountry during the summer months is an unforgettable lifetime experience. If it’s something you’ve been considering, a trip from the Friedman Memorial Airport on a small backcountry plane is your ticket to expanding your recreation repertoire. Reaching remote ski, rafting, and backpacking locations will allow for adventures well off the beaten path.Â
Fishing is by far one of the reasons many anglers commission a pilot to get them to those pristine lakes, streams, and rivers visited much less frequently than the more popular destinations. One of the more rugged terrains in Idaho’s backcountry includes the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness area. Here, the Salmon River Mountains and the Main and Middle Fork of the Salmon Rivers run within those jagged summits.Â
While accessing the area does require smaller planes (and sometimes a rather bumpy landing on a dirt runway), if you can stomach the ride you will be landing in an area that was once home to outlaws, miners, and the Nez Perce Indians. More than 20 species of fish currently reside there -including Chinook, coho, and Atlantic salmon, steelhead, trout, bass, and White sturgeon. Species that entice anglers from around the globe.
If angling isn’t your thing, rafting or just relaxing at one of the remote lodges along the river might be more to your liking this summer. Whatever your interest, check out the links provided below to learn more about local guide services and the lodges within the Salmon River area.Â
