Middle Fork River Expeditions
 
Middle Fork River Expeditions

OARS

March 9th, 2013

Lets give props to OARS, an adventure travel company that offers Middle Fork Trips, along with many other world wide exotic outdoor vacations. Matter of fact, OARS is out there running most of the nation’s designated wild and scenic rivers; not to mention, OARS also offers some non-river related outdoor vacation packages. The Crew at OARS is, to say the least… worldly, cultured, and committed to making a passionate living of adventure travel. Their trips in the Grand Canyon have been placed on the upper end of prestigious, as displayed by the fleet of hand made dories that they flaunt on the water. Lets be honest, every boatman and river guest alike dreams of floating the canyon in one of these beauties. These guys are a great alternative to booking with MFRE…that is, if the seats in our dories are already filled.

Inspired by the hands of those who cherish traditional boat building, along with the craftsmanship of Lost River Boat Works out of Pocatello, Middle Fork River Expeditions has also built a fleet of hand crafted wooden dories. Join MFRE on a Main Salmon Trip, or a Middle Fork trip and enjoy the pleasure of cruising the river in a traditional “Briggs” Colorado river Dory.

see you in the Middle,

Sparrow

Echo River Trips

March 7th, 2013

Echo River Trips is a company that has been running quality river rafting trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon for decades. Like most outfitters in the canyon, Echo River Trips offers a five or six day adventure exploring the wonders of the Frank Church Wilderness. Echo River Trips feature a variety of activity while in the river corridor, with something enticing for everyone. Echo River Trips feature white water, fishing, hiking, hot springs, historical interpretation, and overall family fun. On the water, Echo River Trips encourage folks to try out the inflatable kayaks for some added excitement, or simply relax on a raft while a professionally licensed guide rows you down the river. A day spent on the paddle raft is also a great option for those who enjoy a team building or family bonding experience. While traveling with Echo River Trips, endless opportunities unfold for viewing wildlife like bear and big horn sheep along the river’s edge. At camp, guests indulge in culinary delight prepared by Dutch oven masters and enjoy peaceful evenings watching sunsets glisten to the river’s voice. On any given night, it’s not rare that one of Echo’s many talented guides might bust out a guitar or mandolin and pick a tune or two; these river people are not only skilled on the oars! The guides come from all walks of life, and many will hop back and forth from Idaho to the Rogue River in Oregon, where Echo River Trips also operate.

Rafting through the Middle Fork of the Salmon River corridor with Echo River Trips is a great alternative to choosing Middle Fork River Expeditions, if for some reason our launch dates don’t correlate with you and your family’s plans; this river trip is undoubtedly the best way to see Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. Nowhere else in the lower 48 states can one experience 100 miles of dam free, motor-less, road-less river canyon. Unplug and reconnect with nature in one of the nation’s last remaining gems.

SWilson

Expedition Leader for Middle Fork River Expeditions

Aggipah River Trips

March 7th, 2013

Aggipah is the Shoshoni word for the Salmon River, which translates to big fish water. Aggipah River Trips is a company that has been running exceptional river rafting and fishing trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon longer than most. Aggipah runs six days on the river exploring the wonders of the Frank Church Wilderness offering something intriguing for everyone. Aggipah’s trips feature river rafting, fishing, hiking, hot springs, historical and natural interpretation, and all around family fun. Aggipah River Trips are fun all day while folks paddle inflatable kayaks for some added excitement, or maybe just relax on an oar rig while a professionally licensed guide ushers you down the river. The paddle raft is also a great option for those who enjoy a team building or family bonding experience.  Aggipah river trips offer endless opportunities for viewing wildlife like bear and big horn sheep along the river’s edge; and at camp, guests indulge in culinary delight prepared by Dutch oven masters while enjoying peaceful evenings watching sunsets glisten to the river’s voice. During some afternoons, Aggipah’s founder Bill Burnt has been known to show folks how to pan for gold along the river bank, just like the old homesteaders in the canyon used to do. Bill Bases his outfit out of Salmon, Idaho, and is recognized as one of the oldest and most knowledgeable outfitters on the river.
Rafting through the Middle Fork of the Salmon River corridor with Aggipah is a great alternative to choosing Middle Fork River Expeditions, if for some reason our launch dates don’t correlate with you and your family’s plans; this river trip is undoubtedly the best way to see Idaho’s Frank Church Wilderness. Nowhere else in the lower 48 states can one experience 100 miles of dam free, motor-less, road-less river canyon. Unplug and reconnect with nature in one of the nation’s last remaining gems.

Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho

February 13th, 2013

Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho are the best way to stay connected as a family.  The Middle Fork Salmon River and Main Salmon Rivers are perfect for families in July and August when the water has warmed up to a nice 70F which is ideal for swimming.  Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho can be booked at any time this spring.  Just call MFRE at 800-801-5146 for info on Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho.

Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho can be multi-genarational and are perfect for family reunions.  To unplug from modern society and reconnect in the largest wilderness area in the US is a wonderful gift to give to all your family.  Kids and grandparents alike.

For more information on trips, go to www.idahorivers.com for details.

Hope to see you in Stanley for a Family River Rafting Vacation in Idaho

Best, Ellsworth

Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho

Family River Rafting Vacations in Idaho

idaho river trips

August 18th, 2012

idaho river trips are the best. Nothing compares to idaho river trips in general. Come along for a idaho river trip this summer or next. Idaho river trips are a great opportunity to see nature in it’s natural state, in the largest roadless wilderness area in the lower 48 states.

Come and enjoy idaho river trips soon!

idaho river trips

idaho river trips

Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho

February 23rd, 2012

Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is the way to catch the most fish from a boat.  We use Hog Island HDPE roto-molded mcKenzie Drift boats.  Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with these boats is ideal as they have large padded casting braces on the bow and stern of the boat.  Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho has never been easier and as cost effective as they are on a Middle Fork River Expeditions trip.  There is not an additional cost to rotate into a Hog Island for Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.  All fishing is catch and release fishing using single barbless fly’s or hooks.  We fish for Western Cutthroat Trout while Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho.  We even carry a couple of Orvis Fly Rods for guest to become introduced to Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho or anywhere in the world.  You can be sure that Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is the best in the world as well.  Fish are not huge, ranging from 10-14″, but an accomplished fly fisherman can catch over 100 fish a day no problem.

One of MFRE’s fly fishing guides, Willis McAleese, is hand making custom Drift boats in Pocatello with is new company, Lost River Boat Works.  These drift boats are of the highest quality using the stitch and glue process.  Willis will bring one of these custom drift boats on the river this summer, so come and check it out.

Middle Fork River Expeditions offers Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with exclusive 2 to 1 fisherman/guide ratio on our September dates.  Never has Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho been so accessable to so many people.

Come on out and learn to fly fish this summer, or for the veteran angler, come have the time of your life.   Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho is just waiting for you.

We hope to see you in Stanley this summer.

Yours for fishing, Ellsworth

Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho

Drift Boat Fly Fishing on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho

Idaho Whitewater River Rafting

October 8th, 2011

Idaho Whitewater River Rafting is one of the best activities you can do as a family these days. Idaho river rafting has more than 13,000 river miles to choose from. At MFRE we focus on the best idaho river rafting destinations by floating on the Salmon River. We offer both the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and also the Main Salmon River as well.

Idaho river rafting on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River are 6 days, and we float 100 miles. Idaho river rafting on the Middle Fork has over a half dozen hot springs, incredible Blue Ribbon cutthroat trout fishing, visits of lots of homesteads, and float through a canyo that is deeper than the Grand Canyon. Idaho river rafting on the Middle Fork Salmon River has more than 400 rapids in it’s 100 mile distance. Most are un-named as they are class I and class II rapids, but there are still over 60 rapids that are class III or above. Idaho river rafting does not get any better than on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. It is fun for the whole family to enjoy a vacation or holiday together rafting the great rapids of Idaho, some of the best in the country. No doubt about it, Idaho River rafting is fun for everyone who gives it a try.

So come on out in 2012 and join MFRE for some of the best Idaho River rafting ever.

We also offer Idaho river rafting on the Main Salmon in Idaho. We offer 4 day trips in 56 miles. We start the trip in Salmon, Idaho and then on Day 4 we fly you out at 10am from Mackay Bar Ranch. The Main salmon does not have excellent Idaho River rafting. It is know as the “River of History” both natural history and also human history. We visit three “working Homesteads” while on the river. These include Yellow Pine Bar, where we meet Greg and Sue. Greg makes knives out of the old cable from the cable Crossing at Campbell’s Ferry. He makes the handles for the knives out of Mountain Mohagany from the Salmon River Canyon.

We also visit Doug and Phyllis Tims at Campbell’s Ferry. They are amazing people. Doug is the founder of Maravia INC., which are the types of boat we run on the Middle Fork and Main Salmon. Both Doug and Phyllis give us an amazing interpretation of Francis Winemiler and also Jim Moore, who lived across the river and ran Campbell’s Ferry. They are in the process of finishing a book on the history of the Main Salmon River.

The last place we visit is 5 Mile Bar, which is where Buckskin Bill used to live and make his own guns. Barbara and Heinz now live there and run a permaculture garden and live off the grid completely. We can watch a video on Buckskin Bill and connect with Barbara and Heinz, who are great people that immigrated from Germany in the early 80’s and found the Main Salmon River Canyon and never left.

Idaho River rafting is best with Middle Fork River Expeditions. Please come out next summer and join us for an adventure of a lifetime. We hope to see you soon for a fun family vacation and the best Idaho river rafting, connecting with each other in the largest wilderness area in the US.

Hen Wen Rides Again

March 23rd, 2011

MFRE bought Hen Wen, an 18 foot Wooden River Dory last May and she did three descents down the river.  She’s back again with a new sister Dory that is being built this spring inn Stanley by Willis Mcaleese, her name is yet to be determined.  In fact, we just bought the 1/4″ marine grade plywood yesterday and the resins as well.  So you can be sure to have twice the fun on the Main Salmon River in Idaho this summer.  Whitewater rafting at it’s finest.  The Wood Dories make it super fun thru the wave trains of the Main Salmon and as it has more water than the Middle Fork we don;t worry as much about hitting rocks.  Although it can occur and we bring lots of Gorilla Tape along.  These Dories are beautiful historic river craft that beckon to the Gondola’s of Venice.  But you ride these historic boats right through the heart of the largest roadless wilderness area in the US outside of Alaska.

So come join Hen Wen and her sister this summer on the Main Salmon River in Idaho.

There are no strangers here, only friends we have not met.

Yours for Rivers, Ellsworth

Middle Fork River Expeditions Orientation in Stanley Example

February 20th, 2011

Welcome group to Stanley, introduce yourself. And thank them for choosing MFRE!  Our hope for you this week is to:

1.  Have fun (after safety)

2.  Get unplugged from technology and connect with nature: to protect it.

3.  Feel refreshed, renewed and excited to come back again with friends/family.

4.  We encourage lots of fun during the trip, AND also moments of silence and solitude.

Group Introductions

Roundabout of names, hometowns, and what they want from this trip.

Group Dynamics

River trip is like a tribe of Sheepeater Shosone Indians, we travel as a group of 30 and  each person affects the others thru their actions.  Helping each other, learning from one another, compassion and making contributions (playing music, telling stories, just being happy) makes the trip better for all.  Workload is shared!  Kitchen, loading boats, etc.

Encourage questions during meeting.

This is your trip, please let guides know if you are needing more of something.

Talk about guides and explain types of boats.

Typical Day on River 6am to 10pm

Environmental Stewardship– Leave No Trace, Veggie Oil, MFRE Recycling Program, Carbon Offsets and IRU partnership.

Environment

Weather varies between hot and dry to cold and rainy. Upper section cooler than lower, esp. at night. It can be sunny and rainy in the same day. Water is from springs and clean!  One liter water bottle essential.  Skin should be protected from sun, lips with balm and eyes with sunglasses.  At  night, lots of lotion on hands!!

Fishing, Drinking, Extra stuff you want to bring.

Fishing lic. are required and can be purchased at Merc. We have two spinning rods and reels for all to use, buy lures at the Merc.  Mepps Killier kit is good, single barbless hooks are required.

We provide some wine on a couple of the nights, margaritas on Mex. Night. Beer/liquor is on our own and can be purchased at the Merc across the street.

Clothes, sunscreen, lip balm and utility items you’ve forgotten can be bought at the river store (carabiners are extremely useful for attaching things to the boats). Stores are open till 10pm and again at 7am. Store at Flying B has trinkets sodas t-shirts etc.

Clothing

What to wear will depend on weather. When it’s hot wear lightweight light colored clothes, cotton ok. When it’s cold wear synthetic clothes to stay warm while wet. Wear raingear  for rain/wind and for rapids when its’ not hot. You have raingear provided for you.  Wear sandals or sneakers in the boats and sneakers (light athletic shoes) for side hikes. Socks with sandals help prevent blisters/sunburn. Ball cap for those in paddle boat and IK’s so helmet can be worn over. Sunglass and hat straps are essentials! Light fleece jacket and a set of syn. long underwear will be usu. be enough insulation (except for spring/fall trips).

Packing- How many tents?

Demo Large/small Dry bags, Sleep kits, cup, carabiner, sleep kit and rain gear.

PLEASE USE THERMARESt on top or ridgerest!!!!!!!!!!

If arrived by car, leave city clothes in car. If airplane, bring city clothes etc. out to meeting place tomorrow morning and we will find safe place for it in Motel.

Day 6- 4-5pm back at MV, Optional farewell dinner at ~7pm

Fly in?- If YES:  Because of water conditions, we will be collecting $115/person by cash or check after the meeting to Sawtooth Air Services.

Tomorrow

Eat before departure. MV open at 6:30 am. MEET OUT FRONT of MV READY TO GO AT 7:15am. Cars– you can park cars across the street in the lot and lock your valuables in the trunk.  Fill out a slip at the front desk and put on front of dash.

Shuttle- If you need to shuttle your vehicle to Salmon, fill out cards at front desk, pay $95 by check to River Shuttles and have it shuttled to the Stagecoach Motel.  Put keys in envelope after you have driven across the street.

Wear clothes for river plus fleece if cool here. Usually warmer at put-in. Bring Liquor!!

Tonight- Get packed!  Soak in the hot spring out back!  If you need anything, call warehouse at 774-2004 we are right up the street or call 800-801-5146 if we don’t pick up.

THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTON AND WELCOME ABOARD!  Let’s get packing!

Taking The Middle Fork: Salmon River Fly Fishing

February 5th, 2011

Middle Fork Salmon River fly fishing is one of the most popular activities in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Fly fishing can be a challenge, but it’s also one of the most rewarding hands-on experiences nature can provide. Here are a few things that might help you get the most out of fly fishing Idaho or anywhere else for that matter.

Try Different Retrieves

Most fly fishers cast, and then they pull back their fly with the same speed, the same smooth motion, and the same pacing that they’ve used for years — for many of us, it’s second nature. But while this might work often, sometimes you just run into a batch of fish that’s feeling lazy. They can’t be bothered to charge after a bug that’s zipping long at what they see as a rapid pace. Similarly, some fish want a fast-moving, energetic bug to snap up.

The end result is that, if your normal retrieve isn’t working, you should switch it up. Mix up the speed — make it quick and jerky, or slow and smooth, or slow and jerky, etc. Twitchy retrieves work particularly well on fish that can’t be bothered to do any chasing
and want to snag something that looks injured.

Change depths

Some days, fish hang out near the surface — other days, not so much. That means that if your floating line isn’t working, it’s time to grab one of those sinkers that will have your fly slowly moving toward the bottom until you start your retrieve. Wait different amounts of time on each cast until you figure out where the fish are sitting today.

Fish Downwind

If there’s a decent wind blowing, go to the downwind side of the river. It’s a small effect, but the wind tends to blow the bugs and other fish food, and the fish often gather on the side of the river that has all of the food blown over to it. This move alone can mean the difference between wasting your day and hooking several decent ones in an afternoon.

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