05-19-2014, 02:47 AM
I would have to second customweld's post.
My dad grew up in the challis area and we are up there every year over Memorial Day. The lowest altitude lakes are up 7000 feet, with the majority of them being 8000+. In low snowpack years, you MIGHT have a chance of getting into a lake, and then once you get there, there's a possibility of it being frozen. Considering that this year the salmon river drainage had an above average snowpack, the odds of getting into the lakes and then having them be open is very very unlikely.
This time of year in that area, hiking in 10+ miles is going to be tough business, even if you like hiking in snow. If you are bound and determined, you may try calling the forest service in challis for more information. If you decide to pack in, make sure you have winter clothes with you. Id say every two years or so it snows on us over Memorial Day.
As far as creeks go, they are all over and most hold fish. But, they could be blown out from runoff. Spinning gear will work fine. Salmon season doesn't open until the 21 st of June.
Not trying to scare you off with the negative info, just being honest, and want you guys to be safe. Memorial Day in the mountains of Idaho can be very unpredictable. There are great places to camp, take day hikes in the area during this time of year, but perhaps the end of June or July would be better for a backpacking adventure.
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My dad grew up in the challis area and we are up there every year over Memorial Day. The lowest altitude lakes are up 7000 feet, with the majority of them being 8000+. In low snowpack years, you MIGHT have a chance of getting into a lake, and then once you get there, there's a possibility of it being frozen. Considering that this year the salmon river drainage had an above average snowpack, the odds of getting into the lakes and then having them be open is very very unlikely.
This time of year in that area, hiking in 10+ miles is going to be tough business, even if you like hiking in snow. If you are bound and determined, you may try calling the forest service in challis for more information. If you decide to pack in, make sure you have winter clothes with you. Id say every two years or so it snows on us over Memorial Day.
As far as creeks go, they are all over and most hold fish. But, they could be blown out from runoff. Spinning gear will work fine. Salmon season doesn't open until the 21 st of June.
Not trying to scare you off with the negative info, just being honest, and want you guys to be safe. Memorial Day in the mountains of Idaho can be very unpredictable. There are great places to camp, take day hikes in the area during this time of year, but perhaps the end of June or July would be better for a backpacking adventure.
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