longdriftoutfitters

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Give us a call and we will see if we can still get you on the water.

Yes, we would love to talk with you over the phone and complete the booking process with you. 

Each drift boat can hold 1-2 fishermen but some can also accommodate a 3rd person. Only 2 people can fish from the boat at a time. Please call to discuss this option. 

Give us a call and let us help plan the perfect day for your group. There is a lot we can do to accommodate your plans. 

We take great pride in teaching and guiding all ability levels. Taking new anglers out and showing them the ropes is something all our guides love to do. We love sharing our love for fishing with others no matter what their experience level is.  

This might be the hardest question. Spring and early summer can bring great fishing days; nymphing can be extremely productive with very aggressive fish. July and August bring bigger bugs, great dry fly action, and beautiful days. The Indian summers that we typically get during the fall are perfect for a little bit of everything. I always like the fall when it’s not as hot and I can wear my favorite flannel. So in short, ANYTIME is a great time to fish the Kootenai River!  

Whether you are coming back to your favorite guide or had a great recommendation, our guides love when you request them. Please email, call, or simply add a note when booking online and we will match you and your guide up if possible. 

Most trips will start around 7:30 am when you meet your guide.

Most of our guests staying in the Sandpoint area will meet their guide just north of Sandpoint at the Samuels 76 Gas station (486260 US-95, Sandpoint, ID 83864). This is a great spot to get snacks or drinks that you may want for the day. 

The Guides at Long Drift Outfitters work very hard to provide the best trip possible. Gratuity is not included in the trip cost. An average gratuity amount is 20%

Please bring your fishing license, a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, desired beverage, rain jacket, water shoes, sandals, or wading boots (depending on weather), rain pants (spring and fall), warm layer (spring & fall), and waders if desired (spring & fall).

We provide a stream-side lunch on all our trips. Lunch often includes, sandwiches or wraps, chips, fruit, and something sweet. Beverages include sparking water, soda, and water. Dietary needs can be accommodated. 

We are proud Ambassadors for Fly Project Rods and Montuckey Reels. Each boat is equipped with both dry fly and nymphing rods, so we are set for all conditions. Want to learn more about Fly Project? Inquire at your local North 40 fly shop or ask us. 

Please feel free to bring your own and cast what feels best to you. 

Recommended Ages:

Float trips – 4 years and older

SUP trips – depends on child’s comfort in the water (approximately 8years old)

Fly Fishing trips – 10 years and older (depending on child)

Our trips are mainly catch-and-release, although regulations on the Kootenai River allow anglers to keep up to two trout over 16 inches.

Excellent
Based on 23 reviews
Daryl Baird
Daryl Baird
2021-10-11
My wife gave me a drift boat fly fishing excursion as a Christmas present. Aaron handled the booking for us and his communication was superb. Our guide, Noah, was at the designated meet-up location on time and greeted us enthusiastically. Our trip took place in the fall after Noah had already done something like 90 trips throughout the summer months. In spite of that, he treated us with no sign of end-of-season burnout whatsoever. We had a blast! Noah coached both of us all along the 13-mile route. He put that boat right where we needed to be. We caught a bunch of fish and we enjoyed a delicious lunch that Noah packed for us. All in all it was a very memorable day.
Annette Lareva
Annette Lareva
2021-09-21
Enjoyed an awesome day on the river. Our guide, Noah was fabulous. He really knows the river and how to catch fish. With his assistance we caught lots of fish. It was a great day filled with laughter, instruction and beautiful scenery. Definitely recommend a day on the river with Noah.
Joseph Conrad
Joseph Conrad
2021-08-24
My wife and I had an awesome time floating the Kootenai with Aaron! He was very knowledgeable and extremely patient with us as beginner flyfishers. We had an absolute blast and fought and caught some great fish! Thanks Aaron!
Bobby Nolan
Bobby Nolan
2021-08-18
Fantastic trip with Aaron who really knows the river, does everything possible to provide a great experience and is an all around great guy. We had a GREAT time. So impressed.
Vicki Peterman
Vicki Peterman
2021-08-12
We went on a fishing trip today with Noah and Natty. They were the best guides! They provided everything poles, lures, the boat and the best instruction. They were so knowledgeable about everything fly fishing and the river. They also had a wonderful lunch for us that we ate at waters edge. I would recommend this company to anyone who would like a beautiful fishing adventure on the river.
Tom Weber
Tom Weber
2021-07-28
Spent the day yesterday with Erin fly fishing the Kootenai River. I had never fly fished and I had a great experience! Erin is a fantastic teacher who had great patience with me. While my partner landed several large trout, I had some exciting hits but was unable to get any in the boat. It didn’t matter as I thoroughly enjoyed the day. Don’t hesitate to call Erin and book him for your guide. He is incredibly knowledgeable about fly fishing the Kootenai!
Jim Stanley
Jim Stanley
2021-06-15
I made a float trip with guide Noah. Young man with lots of savvy. He understands the river dynamics and we brought lots of fish to net.Thank you Long Drift Outfitters.
Noah Henry
Noah Henry
2021-06-12
What an experience! Aaron took me and my father on a trip on the Kootenay river. Awesome sights, proper gear, expert advice, and not to mention a great guy. Thanks for an awesome day!
mattlong648
mattlong648
2021-05-25
Awesome Trip! My wife and I are extremely happy with our experience. Aaron is very knowledgeable about fly fishing, compassionate about nature, and fun to be around. He is very adept about the outdoors and shows his guests the best of the Kootenai River. We will be back!