- Excellent spring-time fishing for Chinook salmon.
- A free flowing river with some of the best rapids in the state, ranging from Class II to Class V.
- A variety of year round recreation nearby including hiking, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and golf.
Overview
A tributary of the mighty Salmon River, the Little Salmon River flows through the scenic mountains and valleys of central Idaho. Approximately 51 miles long, this winding river has no dikes or dams to obstruct its course. Splendid wildlife roams nearby, and a variety of trees such as willow, alder, pine and fir grow along its banks. Near Riggins this river offers excellent Chinook salmon fishing. It also boasts some of the best whitewater rapids in the entire Northwest.
Location & Information
Starting in Meadows Valley, the river stretches north to Riggins where it flows into the Salmon River.
Contact Information: Salmon River Chamber of Commerce, 126 N. Main, Riggins, Idaho 83549 Phone: 208-628-3778 or 866-221-3901 Visit their website here.
Activities
Fishing – Avid anglers flock to this little river in the spring for some of the best Chinook salmon fishing in the state.
Whitewater rafting – This river has some excellent stretches of whitewater, including expert-only Class V rapids.
Other activities include jet boat tours, hunting, snowmobiling, golf, and exploring nearby trails on foot, mountain bike, or horseback.
Fun Facts
- The river’s watershed was once inhabited by several Indian tribes including Shoshone, Bannock, and Nez Perce.
- The river flows through two national forests – Payette and Nez Perce.
- At Blue Bunch Ridge in the Sawtooth Mountains, the river reaches its peak elevation of 6,280 feet.
