Selway River Fishing

Join us for 6 days of fishing on the Selway River in Idaho

Selway River Fishing provides a truly unique and unspoiled fly fishing experience in America. With a short river season, challenging access, and pristine waters, the Selway remains one of the most protected Native Westslope Cutthroat fisheries in America. Each season SOAR NW allocates the July 17 th launch as the fishing focus trip. Fishing on the Selway River at this time is superb. Most participants choose to fly fish although spin fishing is also allowed.

Trip highlights

• Pristine waters
• Native Westslope Cutthroat
• Fly and spin fishing (catch and release)
• Technical whitewater
• 10″-16″ fish
• minimal pressure fishery

Photos

Quick Facts

• Begins: Missoula, Montana
• Ends: Missoula, Montana
• Date: July 17-22
• Distance: 47 Miles
• Rapids: Class III-IV
• Boat Type: Streamtech; “Green Drakes”
• Minimum Age: Varies depending on river flow and group dynamics

What’s Included

Includes guides, food, shuttle service, paddle suits, sleeping bags, dry bags, sleeping pads, and tents.

Not Included

Flights to and from Missoula as well as hotel costs before and after the trip.

What to expect?

Day-by-day itinerary

• Day Prior to Launch: Travel to Missoula Montana, check in at the hotel & attend orientation @ 6:00 pm.
• Day 1: Meet at hotel, take company bus to the river, launch at approximately 1:30PM.
• Day 2: Depart camp around 10:00AM, full day of fishing.
• Day 3: Layover option; (walk and wade fish) or 1/2 day fish from raft.
• Day 4: Full day of fishing from raft
• Day 5: Full day of fishing from raft
• Day 6: Finish with half day of fishing & take the shuttle back to the hotel.
• Day 7: Travel home.

» See full itinerary

Typical Day

Each day on the Selway River brings it’s own excitement and challenges. After departing camp at around 10:00 AM, a typical day will focus on fishing from the rafts and navigating the technical Class II-IV whitewater. There are options for hiking to side streams or relaxation depending upon group interests.  We usually arrive at our next camp around 5:00PM to relax, eat, and enjoy reflection, songs and stories.

Camping on the river

We will provide you with tents, sleeping bags and a large, comfortable sleeping pad. A portable toilet affectionately called ‘the groover’ is provided at camp. Our camping equipment is all up to date and our style of river camping is considered first-rate. SOAR Northwest’s top priority is to keep you safe as well as comfortable.

This includes healthy & hearty meals, campfires & chairs, personal assistance when needed, and guidance in dealing with the elements and weather.

Physical Requirements

You don’t need prior whitewater experience, but you do need an adventurous spirit and reasonable fitness. Minimum age will vary depending upon the river flow, experience of the individual, and the group dynamics.  You should be in good physical condition and able to cope with normal camping routines. Meal preparation and cleanup is done by the guides. Our guides are trained in first aid and are eager to help you in any way with an emphasis on adapting to and enjoying your surroundings.

You are required to carry your personal gear short distances and learn to erect a simple tent and sleep on a comfortable pad in the tent. A portable toilet is provided. Our camping equipment is the best and our camping style is considered by most to be deluxe SOAR Northwest’s first priority is to keep you safe, and as comfortable as weather and your wilderness surroundings will permit.

Get Ready!

Packing List: What’s Provided

• tent
• a large dry bag
• 20 degree sleeping bag
• comfortable sleeping pad
• splash top & pants to wear while on the water
• wetsuits (if needed)
• small dry bag

» Recommended packing list

Pre-Trip Travel Information

Missoula, Montana is the closest connection for major airlines to the Selway River; thus the beginning of our adventure will be meeting together as a group in Missoula. You must arrive in Missoula the day before your trip begins! We strongly suggest you stay at The Doubletree Inn Edgewater, which has a free shuttle van from the airport. The Selway River Trip Orientation meeting will be held at the Doubletree Edgewater beginning at 6:00 PM the evening before your trip. If your travel arrangements do not allow for your arrival by 6:00 PM, let us know and we will make special arrangements. You may leave your extra luggage in a hotel locker during your trip and, if you are driving, you may leave your vehicle in the motel parking lot.

We depart the Doubletree at 7:30 AM on the morning of your launch date. Our van will take you to the river put-in at Paradise Guard Station, a 3-4 hour drive on good roads. (In the case of low water we will fly from Hamilton, Montana into the Shearer guard station along the Selway River) While making the trek from Missoula to the Selway River put-in at Paradise, we will make a limited number of last minute stops for fishing licenses, tackle and liquor if you desire. Our return to Missoula at the end of the trip will begin after we arrive at the take-out at Race Creek. At approximately 1:00 PM on the sixth day we will load into the SOAR Northwest Bus for a scenic trek up the Lochsa River and over Lolo Pass to Missoula. Our arrival at the Doubletree Hotel Edgewater will be approximately 6:00 PM.

Payment & Cancellation

We only guarantee reservations upon receipt of deposit (for each seat). We accept ACH payments, personal checks & credit cards (3% surcharge). Deposits are non-refundable. Please contact us for more info.

Selway River Launch Dates: 2025

Selway River Launch Dates: 2026

• Fly in cost (in case of low water flows): $150.00/person
• Security deposit: $750.00 / person (group size 1-4)
• Security deposit: $1000.00 / person (group size 5+)
• Trip cost includes guides, food, shuttle, paddle suits, sleeping bags, dry bags, sleeping pads, and tents.
• 3% of the company’s adjusted gross revenue are for a land use fee for operating on national forest lands

Additional Information

Fishing Boats

Our fishing boats are designed specifically for the combined multi-day, technical whitewater, and fishing experience. The “Green Drakes”, designed by Streamtech and built by Maravia,  move swiftly, draft minimally, carry significant weight, and handle the whitewater superbly. They are designed to carry two fishers and a guide.

Your guides will stay busy skillfully navigating the technical waters and maneuvering through hydraulics and rapids, they will not all ways be available on the water to tie your flies, unhook your fish, or untangle your line. For beginners, camp will provide more down time for “hands on” instruction.

Selway River Fishing is catch and release ONLY. Native Cutthroat Trout are the predominant fish on the Selway. 10″-16″ fish are common.

Fishing License:

We stop at a sporting goods store on the way to the river the day of your launch or you can shop the day before in Missoula. You must have an IDAHO (not Montana) fishing license.

Fly Fishing Gear:

Rod » 5-6 weight rod and reel (4 piece breakdown preferably) We do have a few fly rods to borrow.  Most people like to bring their own.

June » brings the giant salmon-fly to the Selway river. The fish are not specific about pattern. They are very aggressive. Suggested patterns include: Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis, X-Caddis, Sparkle Pupa, Emergent Sparkle Pupa, Chernobyl Ant, Yellow Stimulator, Humpby, & the Royal Wulff.

July » is the start of the terrestrial fishing on the river, grasshoppers & ants can produce some fantastic fishing. Suggested patterns include: Dave’s Hopper, Joe’s Hopper (day in and day out, the most successful fly on the river)

Spin Fishing Gear:

• Spinning rod and reel
• Spinners: #2 Mepps – red and white –
• Panther Martin – black and gold
• Rooster Tail – brown, maroon, or other.
• 4-6 pound line with swivels.