Steelhead Fishing

Steelhead are large, ocean-going rainbow trout native to Idaho and the northwest region. When adult steelhead leave the ocean and swim back to Idaho, they create one of the state’s most amazing fishing opportunities.

Starting in August and for the next 9 months, anglers can fish for adult hatchery steelhead in Idaho’s rivers. Fishing is best on the lower sections of the Clearwater, Snake and Salmon rivers in the fall. As steelhead continue to migrate upstream anglers will find them in the South Fork Clearwater, Little Salmon and upper Salmon rivers. Steelhead are sometimes released into other waters, like the Boise River, to provide additional fishing opportunities.

News

More steelhead to be stocked in the Boise River on Wednesday, Nov. 23

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 - 9:11 AM MST

The good news keeps on coming for anglers. Approximately 100-125 more steelhead will be transported and released into the Boise River on Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Steelhead Fishing Fishing Steelhead Trout
Nov. 14 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Monday, November 14, 2022 - 3:16 PM MST

Cold temperatures moved into the upper Salmon River last week which made steelhead fishing difficult and reduced the amount of angler effort.

Salmon Region Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Trout
Steelhead are headed to the Boise River on Nov. 18

Monday, November 14, 2022 - 2:24 PM MST

Mark your calendars, because the steelhead are coming: Fish and Game will stock 125 steelhead between five locations in the Boise River on Friday, Nov. 18.

Steelhead Fishing Southwest Region Steelhead Trout
Nov. 7 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Monday, November 7, 2022 - 2:07 PM MST

Steelhead angler effort and total catch declined during the past week on the upper Salmon River.

Steelhead Fishing Salmon Region Steelhead Trout
Oct. 31 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Monday, October 31, 2022 - 12:57 PM MDT

Steelhead angler effort and catch continued to increase during the past week on the upper Salmon River.

Salmon Region Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Trout
Oct. 24 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Monday, October 24, 2022 - 2:06 PM MDT

Steelhead angler effort continued to increase downstream of North Fork during the past week, and catch rates were similar to last week’s report.

Steelhead Fishing Salmon Region Steelhead Trout
Oct. 11 Upper Salmon River Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - 3:29 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game personnel began interviewing steelhead anglers on the upper Salmon River on Saturday, October 1. During the first weekend, angler effort was low, and no anglers reported catching a steelhead.

Salmon Region Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Trout