Middle Fk Salmon permits and summer BBI

[jables]

All. Looking for recommendations for guide company to do middle/main trip with. ROW has been recommended by someone reliable. Any other suggestions? I've done minimal amount of guiding and a few guided day trips in the southeast. While I'd like to have the skillset to be putting in for a permit, I'm going to settle to be a client and enjoy the trip.

Cheers!

[yeahman]

All. Looking for recommendations for guide company to do middle/main trip with. ROW has been recommended by someone reliable. Any other suggestions? I've done minimal amount of guiding and a few guided day trips in the southeast. While I'd like to have the skillset to be putting in for a permit, I'm going to settle to be a client and enjoy the trip. Cheers!

College buddy of mine has been operating Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures out of Missoula for almost 30 years. We went down the Main with him a few years ago and it was a great time. He does not have a permit for the Middle Fork, but does run trips on the Lochsa, Clark Fork (Alberton Gorge), and Missouri (Wild and Scenic section). Also does random stuff like bike trips on the Lewis and Clark Trail and winter trips to Cuba. He's the visionary, but his wife is the organizational brains behind the operation. Have fun whatever you end up doing!
Lewis and Clark Trail Adventures - Historical River & Trail Trips

[Danno]

Paging bunion to the white courtesy phone...

[Bunion 2020]

Been gone from the MF and the USFS since 9/25/2001. ROW was a good and reputable company, same with OARs and Canyons. Very few crappy outfitters.

[jables]

Thanks for the beta!

[Conundrum]

If I were booking a trip, I'd look at Canyons, ARTA, Mackay, and ROW in that order. Different types of trips from quite luxurious mint on pillows zero work and fine dining to helping unload boats and setting up your own tents so many ways to do the trip and different costs. If you wanted to do just MFS, those plus Middle Fork Rapid Transit and Helfrich. Helfrich if you want a fishing trip.Like Bunion said, most of the outfitters are pretty solid and will provide a good trip. Not many bad outfitters up there and shitty guides don't last long.

[Bunion 2020]

Solid recomendations

[jables]

Thank! I will read up on them.

I dont care for mint, chocolate on pillow please. Lame jokes aside, I'm not sure I could be on a trip like this and do nothing, as in not offer to unload and help, but in all honesty I don't want to cook or clean. I always think of trips as "vacation or travel" and i want this to be more of the former (less work)

I think the biggest factor in a style of trip would be who we end up on it with. While we are trying to coordinate with some friends, it is hard with kids/work amongst several families.

I tend to think a trip that isn't too high luxury will have folks we connect with moreso than a "we will have the wine and charcuterie ready when you arrive" group.

[Conundrum]

Not being a smartass when I say the following. After reading up on the outfitters, call the ones you like and tell them what you’re looking for. My guess is ARTA for both MFS/Main or MFRT would fit your bill. But, each outfitter runs different types of trips-examples…there are fine cuisine, yoga, LBGT friendly (pride trips) and I want to do everything but row, cook, and handle the groover trips. The outfitters have a lot of repeat bookings and generally have a decent idea of the clientele and can help you. Plus, you might need to get on a list depending on what you’re looking for or book a year out. Some years, certain outfitters can be booked out so sooner than later for initial contact can be key depending on your timing. I’m a lowly private boater begging for a spot on a permit but I do know a number of the outfitters and guides so grain of salt with my advice.

[jables]

Your point is not taken as you being rude. Itd be great to get on a trip this summer, but I'm thinking it will end up next, so trying to get out in front of it.

The only outfitters I've been in touch qith so far was ROW though their "contact us" form on their website and they have reached out with a personal touch twice. Was impressed by that.

Ill keep everyone updated how it shakes out.

[m2711c]

The thing I really like to do is rowing the boat, which is the one thing the outfitters wont let you do. Have you considered renting the gear and running yer own trip? Sounds like yer experienced enough ta do it and ya can spend the savings on a boat load of beer and shrooms.

[Norseman]

The thing I really like to do is rowing the boat, which is the one thing the outfitters wont let you do. Have you considered renting the gear and running yer own trip? Sounds like yer experienced enough ta do it and ya can spend the savings on a boat load of beer and shrooms.

Nevermind that whole permit lottery thing... [emoji6]

[teleee]

[emoji638]][emoji640][emoji639]][emoji638][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]]][emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji6[emoji640][emoji637]]][emoji6[emoji640][emoji637]][emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]][emoji640][emoji640]]]Nevermind that whole permit lottery thing... [emoji[emoji6[emoji640][emoji638]]]

Pesky details! We don’t need no stinking permits.


Sent from my iPhone using [emoji638]][emoji640][emoji640]][emoji640][emoji638][emoji638][emoji638]]TGR Forums

[yeahman]

Well you can go pre-permit season on the MF by flying into Indian Creek. I did it a few years ago mid-April with friends who do it often. If weather/flow looks awful you can cancel last minute with no consequences. Not everybody's idea of a casual bikini float but it's pretty cool to be in there mostly alone.

[lifelinksplit]

Well got an invite to a join a MFS trip in little less then a week. Mostly gonna be a passenger princess but might get to row some sections. I haven't been on any substantial WW in quite some time but do row a ton in my driftboat and raft and hey you don't say no to a MFS. Luckily group is very experienced. 4-5 rafts and 4 kayaks. Super excited and nervous!

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[Danno]

Score

[Norseman]

Nice man!

[Bunion 2020]

Awesome, I haven't looked at a gauge, what is it running? Boundary Creek or fly in to Indian Creek? One of the best floats in the lower 48.

[lifelinksplit]

I think it was 4.3ish last I looked. Supposed to maintain mostly for our trip but obviously who knows. Putting in at boundary. 1st camp is trail which I guess has hot springs depending on river level. Sitting here now cooking a 3hr sauce for lasagna. Gonna do vac sealed and boil in bag for night 5 dinner. Like I said we're going with a few guys who used to guide it( I only know 1 person of group) but I'm all ears if anyone has suggestions or recommendations. Getting super excited!

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[Bunion 2020]

4.3 is a great level. Trail was one of my favorite 1st day camps although it is a bit of a hump up to the camp from the river. Yes the hot spring will be a little small but manageable. If you plan on fishing (I would) orange stimulators are all you really need although I would occasionally toss big nymphs in hopes if hooking into a Bull trout. Sounds like a great trip, enjoy.

[m2711c]

Is That the one with all the poison ivy on the trail up to the hot spring?

[Bunion 2020]

Nope, that is Sunflower.

[lifelinksplit]

Holy shit! Just off the river. Man between the scenery, hot springs, fun WW, and hikes that is hands down the best trip I've ever done. 3.9 at boundary and my buddy kept it right side up for his first time rowing MFS(I only rowed like 10mi). One group put a big hole through both sides of their floor. Fishing was good too with salmon flies, golden stones, and a blanket hatch of caddis on put in day.

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[mcski]

Rad

[Bunion 2020]

Awesome..... That sweep rig for BE is a company a buddy owns. Such a great trip, so hard to get a permit.