Guided Fly Fishing Trip

Sun Valley Outfitters guided fly-fishing trips

At Sun Valley Outfitters we consider ourselves lucky to call this beautiful valley home with its abundant outdoor activities just minutes from our doorsteps.  We also feel fortunate that when it comes to guided fly-fishing, we have waters suitable for everyone and for a variety of fly-fishing experiences.  Sun Valley Outfitters guests can choose between a 1/2 day, 3/4 day, or full day and within those options a variety of waterways. 

For the less experienced angler, our days begin with a lesson (or refresher) on basic fly-fishing gear and casting techniques to ensure that our guests are set for success.  This is part of the experience and novice anglers can rest assured that their guide enjoys the “teaching” part as much as any other, remember, your guide was once a novice too!  For those with more experience, you and your guide will head straight out where your guide will help you find the best water for the time of year.  In short, our guides are trained and ready to help the long-time angler looking to experience our variety of waterways or the first timer looking to try something new.  

As a new addition to the Sun Valley Outfitters guided experience, we introduce our Rascal Wranglers.  This trip add-on is for families with younger children who want them to have a chance to experience the thrill of fly-fishing with their parents and older siblings.  Rascal Wranglers are guides who are specifically added to a trip to care for those future anglers.  They will bring simple Tenkara rods which allow smaller children to simplify the casting and catching experience. Our wrangler will also have nutritious snacks to keep kids fueled and energized as well as a singular focus on helping your child(ren) fish (and play!) so you can focus on fishing with your guide knowing they are nearby and supervised. Wranglers are families or groups with 2 or fewer kids under age 8 and booking this saves the price of a full  additional guide.

Recognizing that fly-fishing may not have been part of your original vacation plans, we provide three trip length options to help fit your schedule.  Depending on trip length, our start times are flexible throughout the day and you can select your start time or work directly with your scheduled guide to determine the best time based on optimal fishing hours. We highly suggest that, when possible, guests work with their guide to determine the waterway that best matches the experience they seek for the trip as each waterway we guide on is unique and provides an experience unlike any other.

• 1/2 Day - 4 hours, great for anyone who only has a half-day or just wants to give this whole thing a try.  These trips are almost exclusively on the Big Wood which allows us to maximize time on the water and minimize time spent driving. 
• 3/4 Day - 6 hours and includes a picnic lunch provided by Perry’s Restaurant.  The extra two hours in this trip provides for additional waterway options for you to fly-fish.  Not only can trips be taken on the Big Wood River, but possibly on the Little Wood River, Upper Lost River and even Silver Creek depending on the season.
• Full Day - 8 hours.  If you want the complete fly-fishing experience this is the trip to choose.  With a full day the options are wide open to go wherever the fishing is best.  SVO guides full day trips on the Big Lost, Silver Creek, and the Big and Little Wood Rivers depending on the time of year and water conditions of each.  On the full day trip a lunch is included.

Daily trips are limited and fill quickly, so don’t miss your chance for an incredible day on the water with a guided fly-fishing trip with Sun Valley Outfitters!

Gear rentals are not included in the guided trip price.  We have unique equipment pricing based on the length of your trip and what gear you need.

Deposit required to hold trip. Cancellations prior to 72 hours before trip will receive 50% of the deposit back. Cancellations within the 72 hour window will forfeit the deposit.

Guided Fly-fishing itinerary

All trips meet at a time agreed upon between the guide and the guest.  When booking your trip you can let us know when might work best for you but your guide will connect with you directly to talk times and how they might impact your fishing experience. 

Most trips will meet at our store in Ketchum at 415 Sun Valley Rd East, Ketchum, ID 83340.

Night Before - We encourage you to purchase your Idaho fishing license online prior to arrival.  If you have questions or want to wait for assistance from us that is fine but doing it ahead of time can speed things up.  You can purchase online at: https://license.gooutdoorsidaho.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

Let the folks in the store know you are there for a trip.  Your guide should be in the store waiting for you. If you have filled in your paperwork online and e-signed the release paperwork this will go really quick.  If you need any rental gear this is also when your guide will help get you all set up. Also remember we are a full fly-shop so if you need any last minute gear we likely have it.

After meeting your guide, if you need rental gear they will help get you set-up and then it is out to the river.

1/2 day trip - 4 hours - Optional lunch is available.

3/4 day trip - 6 hours - Includes a lunch to be enjoyed while out by the river.

Full day trip - 8 Hours - Includes a lunch to be enjoyed while out by the river.

After the trip we will return to our store to return rental gear, do any last minute shopping.

After your trip we highly encourage you to check out one of the local watering holes for drinks and food - Look in the Travel Info section for recommended food stops.

Where to meet us

Please plan on meeting us at our store at 415 Sun Valley Rd East, Ketchum, ID 83340.  On occassion your guide will work with you on an alternate meeting location but most trips meet here. Your exact meeting time will be coordinated with your guide.

Summer trips:

• Water Bottle - We are working to reduce our use of single use plastics so please bring a re-usable water bottle or purchase one of our great SVO bottles at the store prior to your trip.
• Warm wool socks
• Layers to wear under waders
• Non-cotton sun shirt
• Light jacket or shirt for Idaho’s changing weather
• Beanie or hat - REQUIRED
• Sunglasses - Preferably polarized - SOME TYPE OF GLASSES ARE REQUIRED. 
• Sunscreen.  It may not seem sunny or warm enough to get burned, but glare from the water and the thin high altitude air makes it easy to burn while not feeling the heat on your skin!
• Gratuity is always appreciated by the guides if you are so inclined.  If you plan on tipping your guide, please consider planning ahead and having cash to give to the guide and wranglers directly.
• Your personal fishing gear if you are using that instead of renting
• Valid Idaho fishing license.  You can purchase online at: https://license.gooutdoorsidaho.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx

Winter Trips:

• Water Bottle - We are working to reduce our use of single use plastics so please bring a re-usable water bottle or purchase one of our great SVO bottles at the store prior to your trip.
• Warm wool socks
• Warm bottom layers - Fleece is great
• Warm thermal top(s)—(layers are the best way to prepare for the variable Idaho weather!)
• Warm/water-resistant winter outer jacket 
• Beanie or warm cap. REQUIRED
• Sunglasses - Preferably polarized - SOME TYPE OF GLASSES ARE REQUIRED. 
• Sunscreen.  It may not seem sunny or warm enough to get burned, but glare from the water and the thin high altitude air makes it easy to burn while not feeling the heat on your skin!
• Gratuity is always appreciated by the guides if you are so inclined.  If you plan on tipping your guide, please consider planning ahead and having cash to give to the guide directly.
• Your personal fishing gear if you are using that instead of renting
• Valid Idaho fishing license.  You can purchase online at: https://license.gooutdoorsidaho.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx