Great news for Treasure Valley steelhead anglers — approximately 250 steelhead will be released into the Boise River on Friday, Nov. 22. The Fish and Game fish stocking trucks will be releasing fish at the usual locations:
- Glenwood Bridge
- Americana Bridge
- Below the Broadway Avenue Bridge behind Boise State University
- West Parkcenter Bridge
- Barber Park
The fish are trapped at Hells Canyon Dam on the Snake River and will be released in equal numbers at these five stocking locations.
Boise River steelhead limits are 2 fish per day, 6 in possession and 20 for the fall season. Though required in other steelhead waters, barbless hooks are not required for Boise River steelhead angling.
In addition to a valid fishing license, anglers looking to fish for one of the hatchery steelhead need a steelhead permit. Permits can be purchased at any Fish and Game office or numerous vendors across the state. Fish and Game's new steelhead "e-tag" is available online at gooutoorsidaho.com. The e-tag allows you to buy a permit steelhead (or salmon) permit online and validate the permit with your smart phone when you catch a fish. Cell coverage is not required.
All steelhead stocked in the Boise River will lack an adipose fin (the small fin normally found immediately behind the dorsal fin). Boise River anglers catching a rainbow trout longer than 20 inches that lacks an adipose fin should consider the fish a steelhead. Any steelhead caught by an angler not holding a steelhead permit must immediately be returned to the water, and it is illegal to target steelhead without a steelhead permit.
For more information regarding the Boise River steelhead release, contact the Fish and Game Southwest Regional Office in Nampa or call (208) 465-8465. Check the department’s website to learn more.