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 194 reviews Posted on Jim DunstonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was the third summer that my wife and I fished with Long Drift Outfitters. This was out fifth and sixth guide trip there. This year we and our friends fished with Noah and Mike. We had a great time as usual. Mike and Noah put us on plenty of fish on both days. Along with great fishing, the lunches were first rate. We are looking forward to next years trip with the guys from Long Drift Outfitters.Posted on KR SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fished the Kootenai and had a great day! I highly recommend Noah as your guide. This is my second trip with Noah; he is passionate, professional and a great fisherman!Posted on David RathgeberTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our guide, Mike, was absolutely terrific. He was personal, knowledgeable, and helpful. The scenery was beautiful, and the fishing was fun. Highly recommend.Posted on mtdebh20Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a chance to go down the beautiful Kootenai River with Long Drift Outfitters. I had my very first fly fishing experience. I was with a group and we had 4 boats. The guides were very competent boat handlers and avid fishermen. They coached me and others through the initial stages and made it fun and interesting. Their knowledge on species, history, geology and land was interesting and thought provoking. Lunch was great and filling and I felt safe, cared for, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Many thanks to Aaron, Michael, CJ and Conner! Great job!Posted on vicki labruscianoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. two wonderful days on the water with Noah and Mike. Excellent guides with wonderful fishing both days. Scenery was amazing and we had the river to ourselves the entire time. I would recommend Long Drift Outfitters to anyone wishing to have a great fishing experience with understanding guides and plenty of fishing experiences.Posted on John LarsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day drifting and Heath was a great teacher in re-learning how to fly fish in a beautiful setting.Posted on Therese HotvedtTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had the best day out on the river with our guide Heath. Was very knowledgeable and fun! Had the best time and our boat caught the most fish of the day. Our family has been three times and never disappoints. Highly recommend!Posted on S TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My husband and I had Connor as our guide and we had a fantastic day on the water! It was our first time fly fishing from a boat and Connor was so patient with us. We both successfully caught fish and learned so much about the technique of fly- fishing. We thought of our boat as the "party boat" as we brought a speaker and some drinks and thoroughly enjoyed the day on the river. Thank you for the great day!Posted on Max BrownTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We were celebrating our father/son retirements. Dad from business and son from 22 years military service. What a great time we had. Our guide, Skylar was great. Taught us fly fishing. Placed us in spot after spot where the trout were. He was a great teacher with much patience and expert advice. The scenery was specatular. We highly recommend Long Drift Outfitters. Whether novice fly fishermen like us or experienced you won't be disappointed. THANK YOU for a wonderful time and a lifetime memory!Posted on Shelly PickettTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a great trip on the Kootenai River with C.R. and Long Drift Outfitters, LLC. Caught lots of trout!! Thank you for a wonderful day!