If you could fish anywhere between Whistler and SLC...

[dfinn]

Summer is coming to an end and it's time to head south. I'll probably take 5-6 days to slowly make the drive from Whistler to SLC. I've got a few places vaguely in mind but I'm curious what others might suggest. Ideally I'd find a couple of really nice trout streams that I could link up along a route without driving too far out of the way. It would also be nice to find a little more out of the way type spots with some BLM style camping near by. I'll probably just be wading, I've never been out in a boat or with a guide but it's something I'd like to try so if there's a river that is fished better by boat w/a guide I could probably be into that. I'm not looking for anyones honey holes, just some general info would be awesome.

[schwerty]

If you have some knowledge in the steelhead area, I'd be focusing there while driving down the coast. Things should start heating up soon, i think??? There are plenty of opportunities to head east. Fishing in eastern OR and west/central ID can be great in the fall. No reason for me to comment on rivers out there. I have some experience but the guys on here that live out that way are much better suited to reply.

If you're not into the steel then I'd drive southeast outta Whistler and fish down to SLC. Make your way to the Elk river. Tough to beat fall fishing on the Elk. The options from there are countless. Heading south through the GNP area you could hit the Swan, Flathead and Koot. The Thompson is worth the effort too. Fall on the Blackfoot outside Missoula as well as the Bitterroot, Clark Fork and Rock creek can be incredible.

From Missoula, I'd head east toward Bozone. Tons of fishin around there! Then YNP! The crowds will have dissipated and the fishing will be turned on in the Park! The Henry's Fork is a good bet too. If you come through the south entrance of YNP, the Snake through the JH valley is a hell of a place to wet a line in the fall. Either way, you can scoot over to I 15 easily and head to the big city from there. If you still need more fishing, drive south outta Jackson and fish the Smiths fork, hams fork and/or the Bear river. The Green is available too. Then the Provo if you want a little extra before you get to SLC.

[dfinn]

Fishing for steelhead looks amazing but I'm not sure I'm setup for that. I only have a 5wt.

Appreciate the rest of the info and sounds like I'm on the right track for the places I've been considering.

[Crystal_Mt_Dreamin]

When exactly are you leaving? If real soon you can probably still get into some pinks or coho on the salt in the Seattle area, or go for sea run cutts in the Hood Canal area. You could check out the upper North Fork Lewis for some trout action with nobody around, but it's not what anyone would call epic. There are some big fish to be had though. Yakima River on the east side? I've never fished but it's supposed to be the best trout fishing in state. Otherwise listen to Schwerty.

If you end up passing through Portland drop me a line and we'll grab a beer.

[yellowstoner]

I probably wouldn't skip the Missouri at holter/hauser or the big hole. If you're still a couple weeks out streamers on the Madison and Yellowstone will be supreme.

[dfinn]

It's probably going to be somewhere around the weekend of the 28th. That too soon or good timing for the streamers?

Sounds like we will be fishing the Big Hole for the summit so I may hold off on that one until then.

[Buster Highmen]

Wallowa and Grande Ronde between La Grande and Wallowa. Lots of nice water just along the road thick with fish.
If you have more time, there's good fishing in the high lakes around there too.
Lost of smaller streams that are worthy there.
Wallowa lake is more of a chunkers/boaters spot, but the flyfishing near the mouth of the feeder streams into the lake is easily accessible with a boat rented from the marina there by Wallowa Lake Lodge.
Plus the Terminal Gravity Brewpub is there in Enterprise and should be a required visit.

[Angus 1242]

Definitely catch Steelhead in BC. Also, the Skagit near the border has some good deep holes for rainbows. Then head down to Dillon, MT (get you can get access to Private water via $$$ or drift the Beaverhead or Big Hole). Most back/local routes are 110kph here, its awesome. After that, head towards Wydaho to Henry's Fork (get a drift boat guide- I prefer drifting here), get huckleberry shakes b/f driving over Teton pass on 22 towards Jackson (lots of wading spots), then head slightly NW towards Yellowstone, (lots of spots above the Park entrance or in the park) or south to Green River by Pinedale WY, then towards SLC. Have fun.

[skifishbum]

for what your gonna pay a guide to float ya could craiglist a decent kickboat if ya got room on the rig and hit a lot of stillwater.
if you were gonna pay a guide a shot at a metalhead would be worth it and most will have gear
wouldn't pay a guide to float a river a bunch of maggots are gonna b floatin for shits n giggles in a few weeks.
schwerty's plan sounds awesome
i'd hike slough creek in the park if ya got a full day
I'd go get schooled on the rr ranch cause later in the life long journey of the pursuit of the fishes you'll be back
the lake should be on prob still rent a boat or tube somewhere round there
the upper green got gully washed pretty well and was off color last weekend but should be clearer
lot of sweet easy acessed wadin water in the skesskadee and the hams right there too.
below fg
fishin w/ tellee, hook and his crew last weekend was stellarly awesome
the catchin entirely marginal

[schwerty]

I will float you down the snake in JH if time permits

[wicked_sick]

There's lots of really good fishing in SE BC. I was in that area over the summer and had a chance to put a line in the St.Marys, Elk and Skookumchuck rivers and couldn't keep them off my hook. Of everywhere that I have fished in the province, I would say that this area is the most scenic and productive. I imagine that if I'd had a guide or drift boat I could have spent even more time fishing and less time exploring and finding access points.

[dfinn]

Just crossed into the US. Fished the Elk today. Had a pretty nice couple of hours out there, caught 3 good size, healthy west slope cutties. Super scenic river. Having trouble deciding where to head next. I had put the Swan and Flathead on my list but just came across some things on the internet that made the fishing there sound mediocre and difficult.

Probably gonna head towards Missoula, sounds like lots of options around there for tomorrow.

Schwerty, you got plans on Friday? That sounds rad, would love to take you up on it if time permits.

[plugboots]

If you're still in Frenie, I'd hit the Michel, then blow off everything till you get to fFsh creek or Rock creek near Missoula, then head to the Dillon area.
I like Poindexter Slough.

[dfinn]

Wish I could have stayed longer. About to head into Yellowstone.

[schwerty]

Dfinn

I sent you a PM. Sorry but today and tomorrow are pretty well booked up for me. Sunday could be the same. I'm around though. Heading to dark star orchestra tonight...if you're a fan of the Dead......

[dfinn]

I am a fan but after 3 days of fishing in the cold and snow and breaking my rod today I decided to just boogie home.

Got home and the lady had installed a hot tub to my surprise so everything ended amazing. Thanks for all the info.

[teleee]

Bummer about the rod, what brand is it? Can you warranty it? Let me know if you want to borrow my spare rod, i have a 5 weight TFO i keep around for just such am occasion.

[skifishbum]

I need to head down to dutch john to retrieve my trailer b4 the summit
shoot me a pm if ya wanna head down and float a day or 2
or if ya wanna carpool to the summit or fish our way up from dj

[schwerty]

A hot tub is a nice thing to come home to!

[Adski]

A hot tub is a nice thing to come home to!

Even better is a hot tub with the lady installed!

Sounds like a fun trip and happy ending.

[willie61]

Big walleye's in the columbia river near Portland, unreal.