Do I need a permit to float Main Salmon River?
Yes. You need a permit to float Main Salmon River in Idaho Wild Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
Lottery permit
What the Main Salmon River permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $6 non-refundable reservation or lottery application fee, plus a $4 per person per day special recreation fee. Senior and Access Pass holders get a 50% reduction on the $4.
- Group size limit
- 30 people
- Issued per day
- 8 permits
- Applications open
- December 1, 8:00 am Mountain Time
- Applications close
- January 31, 11:59 pm Mountain Time
- Results
- February 14; winners must confirm by March 15, and unawarded dates release March 16 at 8:00 am MT
- Season starts
- June 20 - the lottery control season
- Season ends
- September 7; permits are still required outside the control season
What the rules require
- A permit is required year-round to float the Wild section between Corn Creek and Long Tom Bar
- During the June 20 to September 7 control season, no more than eight float boat parties may launch per day
- Maximum group size is 30 people
- Trip length by party size: 1-10 people up to 8 days, 11-20 up to 7 days, 21-30 up to 6 days
- Required equipment: portable toilet, fire pan, fire blanket, ash container, shovel, bucket, mesh strainer and AIS stickers
- Fire pans must be metal, at least 144 square inches with 3-inch sides, and carried even if you do not plan to have a fire
- All watercraft must be inspected by Forest Service staff prior to going into the river
- Each boat must carry an Idaho Aquatic Invasive Species sticker and arrive clean, drained and dry
Published rules for the Main Salmon River, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Main Salmon River and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Main Salmon River permit
Do I need a permit to float Main Salmon River?
Yes. You need a permit to float Main Salmon River in Idaho Wild Rivers, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
How much does a Main Salmon River permit cost?
$6 non-refundable reservation or lottery application fee, plus a $4 per person per day special recreation fee. Senior and Access Pass holders get a 50% reduction on the $4..
When can I apply for a Main Salmon River permit?
The application window opens December 1, 8:00 am Mountain Time. It closes January 31, 11:59 pm Mountain Time. Results: February 14; winners must confirm by March 15, and unawarded dates release March 16 at 8:00 am MT.
How many people can be on one Main Salmon River permit?
30 people.
When is the Main Salmon River permit season?
Season starts: June 20 - the lottery control season. Season ends: September 7; permits are still required outside the control season.
What if I lose the Main Salmon River lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Main Salmon River for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.