Idaho Winter Steelhead Destination Trip
Overview Our annual destination to the Clearwater River is in north central Idaho, home to the largest strain of steelhead in the US, and the best winter place in the states to fly fish for steelhead. The“Colorado Boys”, atleast that’s what they call us to our face are welcomed in Idaho with open arms every year! We arrange for our staff to spend all of February up here every year, and host/guide trips all month long. We fish primarily on the Middle Fork in our drift boats from Kooskia down to Orofino. We’ve had evenings with 4 fish over 37 inches and average at least one 36 + incher every day out here! The locals and the scenery up here are all part of this experience, and a big part of what keeps us going back year after year. We see all kinds of wildlife (eagles, elk, deer, and more), catch plenty of huge steelhead, and enjoy having a beer or two with the locals after a great day of fly fishing. With the Clearwater Valley being only 1000 feet above sea level the weather is very mild through February, with average highs in the 40’s and 50’s which is balmy steelheading. Once you come to Idaho you can pretty much put it on your schedule for every year after that, as that’s what happened to us here at Minturn
970.827.9500
MinturnAnglers.com
Dates February 1st – February 28th We are in Idaho for the entire month of February and will be fishing every day that ends in Y. We accept clients on a rolling basis and can accommodate you whenever you would like to join us starting February 3rd. For our sake and yours, we prefer a stay of 2 nights with 3 days of fishing so you get the best experience, get the fishing dialed in, and spend more time on the water than commuting back and forth from the airport! For the best fishing, plan on arriving over the weekend and fishing through the week. If you are only staying a few days, shoot for the middle of the week if possible to help ensure less fishing pressure. But we have it dialed and do well on the weekends as well.
Cost
Lodging Details and Cost Choose from one of two incredible packages
Flying B Ranch – Lawyer Creek Canyon, ID -
$950 a day (per person)
The 5000 acre ranch lies just outside Kamiah, ID with permits to outfit in 740,000 acres of the Nez Perce and Clearwater National Forests of North Central Idaho. Here is a link to the lodging and food http://www.flyingbranch.com/lodging_and_dining. This place is amazing and we highly suggest you treat yourself on this trip. What’s included Finest Lodging in the area, Guided Full Day Float, 4 extravagant meals, All refreshments and Alcohol, All necessary fishing equipment What’s not included Fishing License, Airport Transportation ($75 each way), Guide Gratuity
Lewis and Clark Resort - $450 a day (per person) For the more rustic approach we have the Lewis and Clark Resort for lodging and most of the meals for your stay. This is where we have stayed for many, many years now. Here is a link to the lodging and meals. http://www.lewisclarkresort.com/. This is such a cost efficient way to come and enjoy this amazing trip that has been unique to Minturn Anglers for many years now. Whats included Lodging, Guided Full Day Float, 3 meals, All necessary fishing equipment Whats not included Fishing License, Airport Transportation ($75 each way), Guide Gratuity, Alcohol
Packing List All equipment needed for this trip can be purchased from any Minturn Anglers store or online store with a 10% DISCOUNT
Clothing • • • • • • • •
Warm, layered clothing (No cotton) Quality raingear Waders, wading jacket, wading boots Rain Boots (Boggs, Muck, etc…) Hat and fingerless gloves Polarized sunglasses Patagonia long underwear and base layers Warm socks
Personal • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Medications Ibuprofen, pain meds, etc… Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap reading material reading light binoculars camera – charger cell phone - charger Baby wipes (for ya bum) Small bath towel Hand sanitizer Cash (Don’t plan on using your Amex) Plastic bottles of booze Fly Tying Material (If you have room)
Equipment • • • • •
Water bottle Fishing license and regulations (when you arrive to ID) Sunscreen Measuring tape A multi-use tool like the Leatherman Charge and a pair of hemostats or clamps; I prefer scissor clamps like the ones made by Dr. Slick
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Strike indicators (Med-XL thingamabobbers) (for fishing when not being guided)
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Split-shot (rather than carry a number of bags or a large container of lead, try mixing an assortment of sizes in a small container and just carry that)
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Nippers 10’ 7 or 8 weight single handed rods and reels 6,7 or 8 weight 2 handed switch or spey rods and reels (There is a myriad of fly lines and tips needed for this trip so please call us at the shop for each years water conditions)
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Mixture of beads and standard spey flies as well as your favorite black trout streamers to swing with. Floating and sinking line systems, tippet material from 8- to 30-pound-test and 1x-3x leaders. (for fishing when not being guided) Dry bag(s) Ziplock bags Camera and video camera
Travel Details The easiest and quickest way to get your destination trip started is to fly to the LewistonNez Perce Regional Airport. This airport is approximately 45 minutes from either of our lodges and will get you to steelhead (or the local bar) the quickest! This airport has flights going in and out daily and connects with Spokane as a hub making traveling home easy and painless. Traveling to and from your lodging is a breeze with Minturn Anglers. You can fly multiple airlines to Spokane International Airport where we will pick you up and drive you back to your lodge. This is a long drive (about 3.5 hours) so if you choose this route let us know so we can pick up multiple parties at once. You are also welcome to pick up a rental car and meet us at the lodge if you would like personal transportation on your trip.
Fishing Details Your dream steelhead trip begins on the banks of the Clearwater River. Our experienced guides will load up drift boats, seat you accordingly and float you down the river for the day mostly nymphing and drifting various flavors of steelhead candy. Because of our vast knowledge of the river and it’s structure, we focus on our favorite “honey holes”. Your steelhead trip of a lifetime entails a variety of different float and wade tactics. We have fished this river for multiple years now and have amassed an arsenal of guide secrets both from fishing and befriending the local fishing population. Our guides know the water like the back of their hands and will have your reels screaming the length of your stay. We average 6 to 8 hours on the water everyday depending on what is fishing best and where.
Terms and conditions 50% Deposit at booking (refundable if canceled 29 days prior to your trip date) Remainder of the trip cost is due when you arrive in Idaho
970.827.9500
MinturnAnglers.com