Steelhead Fishing | Idaho Fish and Game

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.

Notice: Steelhead seasons are modified

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

Oct. 7: Upper Salmon River Steelhead fishing report

Monday, October 7, 2019 - 3:55 PM MDT

Steelhead angler effort on the upper Salmon River was light during the first week of October. Bank anglers were mainly observed downstream of North Fork in location code 15, while boat anglers were more spread out with the majority found upstream of North Fork in location code 16.

Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
Steelhead Catch and Release Study - October 2019 Update

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 - 10:04 AM MDT

Wild Salmon and Steelhead Clearwater Region Panhandle Region Southwest Region Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
The data behind the Commission's decision to close steelhead fishing in the Clearwater

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - 11:07 AM MDT

Hi everybody. By now, I’m sure most of you have heard that our commission decided to close the steelhead fishery in the Clearwater River basin due to the poor return of hatchery fish destined for this watershed.

Steelhead Fishing Clearwater Region Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
Commission closes steelhead fishery in Clearwater River basin

Friday, September 20, 2019 - 9:20 AM MDT

On Friday, Sept. 20, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted to close all fall steelhead seasons on the Clearwater River because the number of returning adult hatchery fish is less than the number needed for broodstock, and there is no surplus to provide a fishery. The closure is effective at midnight on Sept. 29, 2019.

Fishing Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Seasons and Rules Coho Salmon Fishing Coho Salmon Seasons and Rules
F&G monitoring low steelhead return and commission may alter season

Friday, September 13, 2019 - 9:09 AM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game's fisheries staff continue to monitor steelhead returns over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, and the run appears to be smaller than earlier forecasted, which could prompt the Fish and Game Commission to alter the already-restricted season.

Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Seasons and Rules Fishing Seasons and Rules Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
Commission approves fall Chinook fishing, reduces steelhead bag limit

Monday, August 26, 2019 - 2:41 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game Commission recently opened the fall Chinook salmon fishing season on the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater rivers starting Aug. 24 and reduced the fall steelhead bag limit to one fish per day and three in possession. For full Chinook fishing rules see the Chinook Fishing Seasons and Rules.

Steelhead Fishing Steelhead Seasons and Rules Chinook Salmon Fishing Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)
New Fall Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Seasons and Limits

Thursday, August 22, 2019 - 4:25 PM MDT

Hi everybody, our commission met today to discuss and take action on fall Chinook Salmon and steelhead seasons and limits in Idaho. They have made some important decisions that I am sure many of you would like to know about.

Fishing Seasons and Rules Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules Steelhead Seasons and Rules Clearwater Region Chinook Salmon Fishing Steelhead Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) Steelhead Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss gairdneri)

Current Steelhead Fishing Status:

Please visit the steelhead seasons and rules page to keep up with current changes to steelhead seasons

Videos

Basic Steelhead Fishing Gear

Spring Steelhead on the Salmon River

Frequently Asked Questions