Idaho Steelhead Fishing Trips on the Salmon River

The Salmon River is Idaho’s premier Steelhead fishing river and is known as “The River of No Return”. It originates in the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho and is the longest undammed river in Idaho. The Salmon passes through the Frank Church Wilderness on its journey to the ocean and we steelhead fish within this wild and scenic slice of Idaho.

We offer 1-day and 3-day fishing trips on the Salmon river

Whitewater Expeditions operates 1-day and 3-day steelhead fishing trips that depart from Vinegar Creek on the Salmon River (27 miles east of Riggins, Idaho). We offer 1-day private and shared group fishing trips. Private 1-day fishing trips can be booked on any day of the season. Group 1-day fishing trips are offered on select dates. Our 3-day steelhead fishing trips are a private charter. All of our trips included steelhead fishing gear and a knowledgeable guide that knows the river!

A man and woman hold a silver colored steelhead during an Idaho steelhead fishing trip on the Salmon River.

Why Choose Us for your Steelhead fishing trip?

We’re Big on Experience

We book primarily private fishing trips so that your experience is big. This allows us to tailor our trips to each group.

30+ years in Business

Whitewater Expeditions has been in business for more than 30 years.

We’re an approved Outfitter

We are a licensed and bonded Idaho Outfitter. Our boats and captains are Coast Guard certified.

Two people are fishing by a rocky riverbank. One stands on rocks, holding a fishing rod with a large net and an Idaho steelhead, while the other observes. The river flows gently, and trees line the background hills.
  • “We had an amazing trip with Whitewater Expeditions. Jake is a great boat captain and fishing guide. He brought us to all the right fishing spots. There was a ton of different wildlife to be seen on this trip as well, from bighorn sheep to river otters. We will definitely be booking another trip.”
    Jacob S. (Steelhead Fishing Trip)

See Steelhead fishing trips

A fisherman releases a steelhead fish back into the Salmon river during his Idaho steelhead fishing trip with Whitewater Expeditions.

3-day Trip

1-day trip

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Q & A

We are located in Riggins, Idaho. See where Riggins is located on a map – Google Map.

Yes! There are hotels and Airbnb’s in Riggins, Idaho. You can booking a 3-day trip with us that includes lodging at a backcountry ranch.

Yes! Our boats are stocked with rods, bait and tackle.

Yes, you must purchase an Idaho fishing license and Steelhead fishing permit. For detailed information visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/fish.

Spring steelhead fishing starts when the ice melts on the river, which is usually mid-February. For the best spring fishing, we suggest you book your trip mid-February through mid-March.

The fall season opens in September but the fish don’t typically arrive in Riggins until October. For the best fall steelhead fishing, we suggest you book your trip for October – November. Fall fishing goes until the river freezes which is typically late November/early December.

50% of the trip total is due at booking. The remaining 50% is due 14 weeks before your trip.

Cancellations made more than 15 days in advance will receive a 90% refund of the deposit amount. Cancellations made within 14 days will receive a 70% refund of all monies paid. Cancellations made within 5 days will not receive a refund.

The 50% reservation payment is a non-refundable retainer that reserves your date. Cancellations made within 14 days will receive a 50% refund of all monies paid. Cancellations made within 5 days will not receive a refund. We recommend that you purchase trip insurance for these activities.

A person wearing a camo jacket, cap, and sunglasses stands outdoors by a lake in Idaho, smiling and holding a large fish. Pine trees and rocky terrain are visible in the background, capturing the essence of steelhead fishing trips in this stunning locale.
  • “Jake and Autumn are great to work with! Our steelhead trip was not only beautiful but very successful as well. Jake knew just were all the fish were hiding! We’ll definitely be back.”
    Wendy H. (Steelhead Fishing Trip)

Idaho Steelhead Fishing Resources on our blog

  • “Super fun day! Our guide worked really hard to find the fish and help us through out the day. The scenery was amazing! Extremely satisfied.”
    Kim H. (Steelhead Fishing Trip)