Owyhee River Fly Fishing Guides

Why Fish the Owyhee River?

The Owyhee River is known for its steep canyon walls, wild brown trout, and incredible dry fly hatches. Located just 90 minutes from Boise, the Owyhee offers walk-and-wade access through some of the most scenic high-desert trout water in the Pacific Northwest.

This is a true tailwater fishery — cold, consistent flows and prolific insect life make it one of Oregon’s finest rivers for fly anglers.

Required Items

• Chest Waders, Boots, Belt
• Fly Rod, Reel & Line
• Valid Oregon Fishing License 

If you do not have fly fishing equipment we can provide rental gear for $30 per day.

You can purchase your Oregon Fishing License online here  

What We Offer

• Full-day Owyhee River guided fly fishing trips

• Walk-and-wade trip options depending on season and conditions

• Instruction-focused trips for beginners or anglers wanting to refine technique

• Targeting rainbow trout and brown trout

You’ll be guided by locals who fish this river every week and understand the intricacies of its hatches, flows, and holding water. Whether you’re hoping to learn how to fish effectively on your own or just want to get bent with no stress, we’ve got you covered.

What Makes Our Owyhee River Fly Fishing Guides Different? – 

• • Decades of experience fishing the Owyhee

  • Local guides based near Boise and Eagle, ID

  • Focused on wild trout conservation and ethical practices

  • We build each trip around your goals and skill level

  • Real-time hatch tracking and adaptive tactics

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FAQs

• What should I bring on an Owyhee River guided fly fishing trip?
  • You should bring weather appropriate clothing, a hat, sunglasses, valid Oregon fishing license and any fly fishing equipment you have. If you don’t have fly fishing equipment, we provide equipment rental.
• Are fishing trips with a guide suitable for all levels of anglers?
  • Yes, fishing trips with a guide on the Owyhee are suitable for all levels of anglers, from beginners to advanced.
• Do I need to have prior experience to go on a fishing trip with a guide?
  • No, you don’t need prior experience to go on a fishing trip with a guide. Our guides are experienced and knowledgeable, and will help you succeed on the water.
• What should I expect from a fishing trip with a guide on the Owyhee?
  • You can expect personalized attention from your guide, access to the best fishing spots, and tailored instruction to help you reach your goals. Your guide will also provide all necessary equipment, so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your fly fishing adventure.

When to Fish the Owyhee River

Fishing is open year-round, but our guides focus on March through September, when conditions and hatches are ideal.

Spring (March–May)

• Skwalas, BWOs, early Caddis

• Productive dry-dropper setups and light nymphing

Summer (June–August)

• PMDs, Yellow Sallies, Ants, Beetles, and Grasshoppers

• Sight fishing with dry flies and terrestrials

Fall (September)

• Mahogany Duns, Crane Flies, and BWO hatches

• Cool temps, lower pressure, and aggressive browns

⚠️ We pause trips October–December to protect spawning brown trout and avoid low flow stress.

Owyhee River Gear Recommendations

Don’t have your own setup? No problem — we’ve got you covered.

Ideal Setup:

• Rod: 4–6wt, 9’

• Reel: Floating line; optional intermediate sink tip

• Leader: 9ft 4x–6x

• Tippet: 2x–6x depending on conditions

• Waders: Lightweight breathable; wet wading possible in summer

• Boots: Clean, grippy soles (no felt)

• Essentials: Polarized sunglasses (amber lens), nippers, forceps, net, and day pack

Need flies? We’ll bring the patterns tuned to the hatch.

Looking for Boise River Guides?