On our first in a special series of “On The Water” episodes of the Barbless Fly Fishing Podcast, Nick Hanna interviews guide Roy Akins of Rapid River Outfitters in Idaho. Prepare to relax as Roy rows you down you listen to part of a day on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, which is part of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.
Roy Akins opens up the conversation talking about the different Native American tribes in the Middle Fork, Idaho area. Roy talks about the hunting bows they made and their history as he and Nick pass by their markings on the expansive rock walls of the Middle Fork. The US Forest Service put out a great video on the subject.
Roy is an experienced guide in Idaho. He grew up on the river, with his much older brother in law, a fellow guide, taking him out often as a kid.
Roy also talks about the local history of the area and how guiding services began. Turns out folks have been floating the river since the 1920’s, starting with the Helfrich family, who brought a lot of business in from the Bay Area in California.
Also be sure to listen to part 2 with Jeff Helfrich!
For booking information:
Call: (208) 628-3862
Visit their website at rapidriveroutfitters.net
