Stories

Many locals trace their histories back six generations or more to the earliest Anglo-European adventurers, who arrived on the heels of the Lewis and Clark expedition. It was on the Lemhi that Captain Lewis saw salmon for the first time and met the welcoming Agai’Dika—Sacajawea’s people, “the salmon eaters.” Salmon have been a part of local storytelling for as long as stories have been told here. Today, the landowners and partners in the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program are telling some new stories.

The Upper Lemhi

Merrill Beyeler wanted to improve habitat for the salmon that fought their way over epic hurdles to spawn in the Lemhi River. But Beyeler, a cattle rancher with generations of family history in the Salmon River Basin, needed help. READ MORE »

East Salmon Basin

Betty and Dick Baker’s family have ranched 2,000 acres in the narrow East Fork Salmon Basin since 1880. When the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program began looking for ways to improve fish habitat in the area, the Bakers were ready. READ MORE »

Iron Creek

Peer into the cold, clear water of Iron Creek on the upper reach of the Salmon River and you may see the silvery flash of young chinook salmon and steelhead as they prepare for their remarkable journey to the sea. This is part of Clyde Phillips’ legacy. READ MORE »

The Lemhi River

As a native of central Idaho and water master for the Lemhi Basin for 20 years, Rick Sager has seen the Lemhi River through some of its best—and toughest—times. READ MORE »

Pahsimeroi River

Rancher Glenn Elzinga was torn between his interest in restoration on the Pahsimeroi River and his need for economic survival. With assistance from the Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program, he found a way to a common-sense outcome. READ MORE »