Public Access?

[2sheds]

Strongly concur with Justin on all points. He knows this river much better than I. And if you're out for the 1st time, but looking to return year after year - hiring an experienced guide can be a wise investment.

If water is low enough (probably now) and you are up for a strenuous river hike, there are 2 things you can do from Kelly Ford. Upstream about 1 mile is the double outlet of Rainbow Springs, the start of cold trout water and hte ancestoral home of these NFOWR rainbows. Downstream 100 yards is a chute with some good trout water. But if I was limited in time, I would follow Justin's recommendations.

This is a great river to float and fish your way down. You can drive to River of Life, Sunburst Ranch, or Riverside, rent a canoe there, put in at Kelly, float back to your campsite on Day #1, and continue downstream for Day #2.

Great fishing at any of these private campgrounds - even if you don't do the canoe trip: RiverOfLife, Sunburst, or Riverside.

One more note - Upstream of Blair it is mostly rainbow. Downstream mostly brown. Be aware that regulations and tactics change.