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Idaho Fish and Game

Steelhead catch picks up

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Steelhead catch rates are picking up and there is plenty of exciting fishing left. Steelhead fishing is unique, considering it is very good anytime catch rates are lower than 20 hours per fish caught. Angler reports ending October 25 show catch rates at 6 hours per fish on the Snake River downstream of the Salmon River, 10 hour per fish on the Little Salmon River, 10 hours per fish on the Clearwater from the mouth upstream to Orofino, 14 hours per fish on the Salmon River from the Middle Fork upstream to the North Fork Salmon, and 20 hours per fish on the Salmon from Whitebird Creek upstream to the Little Salmon. Catch rates by river section are updated weekly at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead/harvest. Limits on the Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon are three per day and nine in possession. The limit on the Clearwater is two fish per day and six in possession. Anglers may keep 20 steelhead for the season, with the season ending December 31. Anglers must have a valid Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit. They must stop fishing when the possession limit is reached - even catch-and-release. Steelhead anglers may use only barbless hooks, and may keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin. All other steelhead must be released unharmed immediately. For more information on steelhead fishing in Idaho, including the latest catch rates, seasons and rules, dam counts, and useful instructional videos, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead.