Just North of the 45th - Silver Cloud Expeditions' blog

Basic Gear and Advice for Steelhead Fly Fishermen

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Loren Anderson

Read on to find advice and suggestions on gear that every fisherman should have for a day of steelhead fishing regardless of whether you have your own equipment or not.

Salmon River steelhead

Fly Casting Clinics
Most guides I know hate to burn up good fishing time trying to teach someone the rudiments of fly casting - we can do it but would much rather see you doing battle with a big ol’ fish! Folks, if you’re not already comfortable with a fly rod, please take advantage of fly-casting clinics (many are free) offered by fishing clubs and/or fly shops. If that’s not an option where you live, pick up one of the many good fly-casting videos available and spend some time getting tuned up - it’ll be well worth it!

Waders
Few things take the enthusiasm out of a guide quicker than to have clients that have no clue how to use a fly rod and show up in tennis shoes or loafers - you know it’s going to be a long frustrating day! Man, at least wear some water proof pacs, knee-highs, or hip boots! Better still, bring waders.

Your choices are neoprene or breathable, boot foot (the boot is part of the wader) or separate boot, and either waist or chest high. I have no business wading in to my arm pits so wear waist highs. I also find them more comfortable - especially when nature calls! The water can be very cold during late fall and early spring fishing and most folks find neoprene boot-foot waders most comfortable.

Neoprene chest waders (especially, 5-mm) are awfully nice in cold water and weather but they can be almost unbearably warm for balmy days in the late spring and early fall. Breathable chest waders are light and comfortable, especially if you have room for additional insulation under them during cooler water and weather conditions.

Playing a Salmon River steelhead on a flyrod

Loren Anderson playing a steelhead on a flyrod

Felt Soles
Some of the slickest rocks on the planet live in the Salmon River so whatever kind of chest waders you bring, they should have felt soles…at least for now! Rumor has it that many states - including Idaho - may outlaw felt soles to try and stem the spread of noxious weeds and critters. Cleats or studs work well but don’t use them if you plan on spending any time in a boat - they really chew up boat floors! Most of the wading boot companies are hyping their respective alternatives to felt. The ones I’ve tried are better than racing slicks but not by much! The most innovative boot I’ve seen is made by Korkers. In less than about 30 seconds you can switch soles from felt to studs or to their felt alternative sole.

Clothing
Salmon weather - especially in the spring - can change in an instant. You may have dead calm one moment and howling winds the next. You can be chilled to the bone and then have to start shedding clothes. It can be dry and sunny and change to pouring rain or wet snow. Much of the time, a raincoat and good fleece jacket (especially the new "wind block" types) will keep you comfortable. A heavy coat and stocking cap would also be good to have along in case the weather really turns brutal. Fingerless gloves can save the day if it turns cold, wet, and windy. Neoprene and either wool or synthetic gloves - especially if they have a Gortex liner – will work fine.

Handy odds ‘n’ ends

Hook hone - as they say, "don’t leave home without it!" Want to miss or lose fish? Use dull hooks!

Split shot - carry a small selection of removable shot from BB’s to around #5 to make sure you’re getting down to the fish. I think a lot of fly rodders "assume" they’re getting deep enough when they really aren’t.

Leader clipper - save your teeth, use a clipper!

Pliers of some sort - want to ruin a nice day of fishing? Get a ticket for using barbed hooks!

Hand and foot warmers - those small heat packets you tear open can save the day. Few things are worse than frozen hands or feet. I put a hand warmer in each pocket and toe warmer in each boot during cold weather.

Surgical gloves - great way to waterproof and windproof your hands. I wear them under fingerless wool or neoprene gloves.

Fingerless neoprene glove layered over surgical glove

Miscellaneous
Don’t forget sunglasses! A bright sunny day, snow background, and no sunglasses can give you a searing headache like no other! The Salmon has enough color that you can’t sight fish most of the season, so there’s not much advantage to polarized lenses. When fish are staging for, or exploring potential spawning grounds in early April, however, they can be very helpful.

If you are the least bit sun-sensitive, be sure to throw in some sun lotion and a SPF rated lip balm of some sort.

Bring a camera if you want to record your memories. A waterproof bag or box for the camera is a good idea, particularly one you can access fairly quickly.

A small set of binoculars are also nice to have to take a close look at the otters, deer, mink, bald eagles, etc. commonly seen along the river.

Posted in Fishing, Fly Fishing, Just North of the 45th, Planning, Steelhead Fishing | Leave a comment

Chicken enchiladas

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Mary Wright

My son, Duncan, ordered up chicken enchiladas for his 16th birthday. I do not make them very often since they are a lot of work and it doesn’t take long before they are just a memory…but I have to say that the best part of making the meal was working with Duncan from start to finish.

Plate of chicken enchiladas, refried beans and Spanish rice

Birthday dinner of chicken enchiladas, refried beans and Spanish rice

We used grilled chicken breasts that Duncan chopped into bite sized pieces and grated Monterey Jack cheese for our filling. You could use roasted chicken or any preparation where the chicken is juicy and succulent.

I heated the corn tortillas in the microwave until they were pliable and then dipped them in enchilada sauce. The traditional method is to fry the tortilla in oil just until it is soft and then dip it into the enchilada sauce. I love them prepared this way but wanted to make a lower fat version.

Your enchilada sauce can be as simple as water and chili powder combined, store bought or made from dried chilies.

Our good friend, Juliette Gutierrez, makes hers from scratch and it is to die for. She uses New Mexican dried chilies. Remove the stem, membrane and seeds from the chilies and rinse them. Soak in hot water, preferably overnight. Strain and discard the soaking water. Put chilies in a blender or food processor; add fresh water approximately to the level of the chilies being careful not to dilute the chilies with too much water. Process until smooth. Saute fresh garlic in olive oil and then add the chilies – you can add stewed tomatoes if the sauce is too hot. Cook until bubbly. Delicious.

Using a plate, I laid the tortilla flat for Duncan to fill with the chicken and cheese and then rolled each up. We lined them up in a large baking pan that was sprayed with olive oil to keep the enchiladas from sticking.

Finished product - pan full of chicken enchiladas

When the pan was full, we spread extra enchilada sauce over the top and then covered with cheese. Bake in a 350 degree oven until bubbly and the cheese is browned. Cool for at least 5 minutes before eating. Serve with Spanish rice and refried beans.

Posted in Food & Beverage, Just North of the 45th, Recipes | Leave a comment

Location, Weather & River Conditions

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Mary Wright

The 410 mile long Salmon River is found completely within the borders of Idaho. Silver Cloud’s multi-day raft trips take place on the remote wilderness section of the Main Salmon that cuts through Idaho’s rugged Central Mountains, traversing the pristine Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.

Map of the Main Salmon in Idaho

Salmon, Idaho is located approximately 250 miles from Boise, Idaho; 280 miles from Salt Lake City, Utah; 140 miles from Missoula, Montana; 235 miles from Jackson Hole, Wyoming and 330 miles from Spokane, Washington.

Last morning on the Main Salmon

The Salmon River canyon is normally arid and warm from late May to September with daytime temperatures ranging from the 70’s to the 90’s. Nighttime temperatures are cooler but comfortable, from the mid 40’s to high 60’s.

Waterfights can cool you off on a hot day

Summer water temperatures range from the 60’s to 70’s, perfect for rafting and swimming. River levels peak in May or early June but the undammed Salmon flows strong all summer long, providing excellent whitewater throughout the season.

Posted in Just North of the 45th, Planning and Logistics, Rafting | Leave a comment

Essential piece of river gear: Wet Wipes

Posted on November 29, 2011 by Mary Wright

Wet wipes are a must on your Salmon River rafting vacation pack list. This compact, low-cost item will get used several times per day and will not break the budget – a great addition to any personal bag.

Any brand of wet wipes will work

If you are like me, you like to feel clean throughout your day. This is not to say that I do not get sweaty and dirty, I just like to clean up afterwards.

I usually pack two zip lock bags of wet wipes for every river trip. One goes in my day bag where I can get at it any time while moving from camp to camp; the other resides with my sleeping gear in my large waterproof bag that is not accessible when loaded on the boats during the day.

Having the wet wipes in two locations makes it really easy for me to freshen up throughout the day. Maybe I want to clean the sunscreen off my face when we arrive at camp – a wet wipe provides a quick and easy cleanup. Think of it as a wash cloth in a bag.

The zip lock full in my sleeping gear offers a quick cleanup before slipping into my sleeping bag for the night. This does not take the place of a river shower or sponge bath but can really make you feel good before nodding off to the sound of the river.

This small item will help keep you refreshed throughout your day. So, make sure you add wet wipes to your pack list when preparing for your Salmon River vacation.

Posted in Packing, Planning and Logistics | Leave a comment

Flying in Idaho

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Mary Wright

Flying in Idaho is an exciting start or finish to your Salmon River rafting trip. The scenery is beautiful and flying over the wilderness reminds you just how remote and spectacular this part of the country is.

Aerial view of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness

To fly to Salmon, Idaho, you will have to use an air charter company; we suggest Salmon Air. They fly between Salmon, McCall and Boise year round. They also fly into Idaho’s back country airstrips. On any given day during the summer they’ll make dozens of flights serving many guests and hauling loads of river gear.

Book your charter flight as soon as you book your river trip. Provide your commercial flight info along with your river trip logistics to Salmon Air at that time. They make every attempt to provide prompt, courteous service to Silver Cloud guests based on that information.

During the summer, Salmon Air has flights between Salmon and Boise about every other hour during the afternoons. The vast majority of the time your stopover in Boise or McCall will usually last about an hour or two. Please bear in mind that Salmon Air has no control over the weather in Idaho. Just like with any commercial carrier, the weather can affect the departure time of your charter flights. Patience and understanding can make an unexpected delay easier to handle.

Cockpit of a Salmon Air charter plane

Please communicate any delays or changes on your inbound commercial flight to Boise or on your drive to McCall directly with Salmon Air at 800.448.3413 as soon as you know about them, so they can accommodate your changed travel itinerary. The best policy is to be flexible; once you’re on your way to Salmon you’re going to have a great trip!

Both Salmon Air and Silver Cloud Expeditions work hard to make sure you have a great vacation in Idaho. If you have any questions about your flights while you’re planning your trip or changes to your itinerary, please call Silver Cloud any time at 877.756.6215.

Once you’ve left home, for flight information or changes please contact Salmon Air at 800.448.3413.

See you on the river!