Middle Fork of the Salmon (Frank Church III)

Some quick parting shots from the crags. (Thanks Henson)

After hiking out of the crags we drove around to the campsite on Marsh Creek right on the edge of the River of No Return Wilderness.  Salmon were supposedly seen running up the river and up the creek.  We fished the creek a little the evening we arrived, but didn't see much and didn't catch anything really over 6 inches. 

The plan was to break camp in the morning, bust it the 5 miles down Marsh Creek to the middle fork, fish the middle fork until late afternoon, then fast pack out before dark.  A full day for sure.

The trail down the creek was nice.  For the most part we stayed right on the water giving it a fairly gentle grade the entire way. A nice change of pace from the crags. Pushing hard, we made it to the middle fork in around an hour and a half (light packs are a blessing!).  More trees and understory at this lower elevation.  It looked like a good spot to spot some large mammals, but only saw a single mule deer.

Saw only one salmon and he wasn't particularly interested in anything.  Totally focused on getting upstream.  However, the trout fishing was outstanding.  It seemed every hole held fish.

I hooked into a couple of heavy 14+ fish in some holes as well, this is when I regretted not having a net.  Trying to land a large fish, with light line, while standing on a rock with little bank, in heavy current, is difficult.  I would work them in, get a hand on them and they would make another run every time.  Both fish broke me off right next to the bank as I tried to land them.  This was quickly followed with lots of swearing and rock throwing... followed by bargaining with the fish and assuring them I would release them quickly, depression as I had to tie on a new fly, then finally acceptance.  After all there was plenty of biting fish. 

Even generally bottom feeding whitefish were hitting dry flies off the surface! They had super tiny mouths, but would hit the large flies.  Fun to catch.



The fishing was spectacular and we eventually did have to pack up and head back.  Great day of fishing and a great trip too.