About the Middle Fork of the Boise River

The Middle Fork of the Boise River is a crisp, gin clear freestone stream nestled in a steep high desert canyon above Arrow Rock reservoir. With about 50 miles of accessible water, there’s plenty of open space to find decent fishing. Generally, the river is best fished above the North Fork confluence where the water temperatures remain a bit cooler.

The river is most productive from mid-July through mid-October and holds decent populations of wild rainbow and cutthroat trout ranging from about 8 – 14 inches in length. Most anglers classify the Middle Fork as an “attractor” stream due to the lack of hatch activity.

Aside from Stoneflies, Caddis, and the odd Pink Cahill in the early season, Hoppers are about the only other source of significant top-water action. With that said, a well placed Stimulator, Elk Hair Caddis, or Humpy should get you into fish all day long.

The Middle Fork has miles and miles of “signature” trout water. Along the access road, you’ll want to pay attention to the various green water flats, troughs, willow-lined banks, rock pockets, and braided current seams.

All of this structure will produce. This is a fantastic river to wet wade throughout the summer and boasts some of the best scenery Idaho has  to offer.