Selway River

Selway Sippers.

Aug 6th

Posted by chubbsypeterson in Fly Fishing Idaho

Fly Fishing the Selway River

There are over 6 billion people in the world and only 2 of those people launched their boat on the Selway River July 30th, 2009. At least that is what the nice lady at the Ranger Station told us the morning of July 30th as we picked up our permit to float the Selway River. Her point was well understood as one could really see how pristine and untouched this 45 mile stretch of the Selway River really is. They only allow 1 boat per day to float this section. They then open up this section to the public August 1st every year, but most years that late in the season is virtually impossible to float (unless one kayaks) because the water level is so low.

Last year Yetter and I were able to float it on August 1st with about 100 other people and it was chaotic, but the pitch to my wife was that it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, when I told her I wanted to float it this year as well, I had to tell her it is a twice in a lifetime opportunity to float this river. I’ve got to work on my excuses here on out, pending I am able to do it again.

Just a quick recap before put on the pics!

Fishing

This year we brought some sinking line to hit those deep holes for bigger trout. We fished 70% of the time with dries on top of the water. Renegades, BWOs, Wulf Royale (as we like to call it), and Parachute Adams were the ticket. We did end up throwing some scandalous streamers and clousers that caught some bigger fish. Both ways were pretty much non-stop action and a ton of fun.

As you can see from the pics, it was a fantastic trip with unparalleled scenery.

Props to Yetter on the oars (most the time) and props to those brownie bites with whipped cream. Tasty!

ENJOY!

Fly Fishing Idaho’s Selway River. White Water with Dry Fly Action.

Feb 7th

Posted by chubbsypeterson in Dream Destinations

9 comments

Dream Destinations

It is extremely rare to find a place that offers Class IV and V rapids while at the same time delivering beautiful Cutthroat Trout to non-stop dry fly action. The Selway River in Central Idaho is just one of those places.

Most folks haven’t heard of the Selway River, and if they have, they have heard of it because of the great white water that attracts numerous rafters and kayakers every year. The scenery is unbelievable! You start in the Mountain Time Zone surrounded by booming pine trees and end your journey in the Pacific Time Zone with the smell of enormous Cedar Trees towering along the river’s edge. The combination of scenery, white water, and dry fly action make this trip one that should be placed on the avid fly fisherman’s list of fly fishing vacations.

Location
The Selway River is located roughly 50 miles West of Darby Montana (SE Montana) in the Bitteroot Selway Wilderness. From Darby travel south to West Fork Road (HWY 473), then when it forks stay right on Nez Pearce Road (FR 468). You will traverse some rugged country, but after a scenic route you will arrive at the Paradise Campground/Paradise Guard Station where White Cap Creek enters the Selway River. This is where the boats are put in the river and launched. This is where I slashed my truck’s tire as we were backing the boat to the dock. Fortunately I had a spare, but one of these tires just doesn’t look like the others. And you should of seen us jacknobs trying to change the tire. Classic.

The River
As I previously mentioned, the Selway River is more widely known for it phenomenal white water rapids that attract thousands annually. It is a float and camp experience like no other. The Selway can be one of the most challenging whitewater rivers in the United States and it’s probably THE toughest for which to get a permit. From Paradise Guard Station to Selway Falls the river drops for 46 miles an average of 28 feet per mile creating a most technical whitewater experience. The many Class IV rapids will challenge any boatman at any level. This river requires a high level of whitewater skill and experience. The number of launches are regulated from May 15 through July 31. Post-season August runs are possible in high-water years. Most years this is virtually impossible for rafts due to the lack of moisture and snow pack received. However, with the abundant snow in the winter of ‘07 – ‘08 we were able to launch with just enough water to get by. The river heads north for about 20 miles then does a sharp turn west and continues that direction until it and the Lochsa River meet to form the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River. Just before that confluence at Selway Falls is where one ends one’s Selway Journey.

The Fishing
Dry fly fishing the Selway has been to date, the best trout action I have had on a dry fly. It was amazing! I probably caught 40 – 50 fish a day most ranging from 8 – 14 inches with a few pushing the 16 – 18 inch range. The takes were awesome. Some of the Cutts would come completely out of the water. They especially enjoyed, Elk Hair Caddis, Parachutes, Renegades, and Royal Wolfs. My friend, Justin “Yetter” Pond, manned the oars while I manned the fish. We camped each night at the river’s edge fishing until we couldn’t see any more, then retired to the tent only to start again the next morning.