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

Steelhead harvest season opened Oct. 15 on the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater rivers

Friday, October 13, 2017 - 12:33 PM MDT

The Fish and Game Commission on Friday, Oct. 13 approved the opening harvest season, but reduced the traditional daily bag limit from three to two adipose-clipped hatchery steelhead in the Snake and Salmon rivers, with additional restrictions in the Clearwater and lower Snake rivers limiting harvest to steelhead less than 28 inches.

Steelhead Fishing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
2017 Proposal to open a steelhead harvest fishery in the Snake, Salmon, and Clearwater Rivers.

Tuesday, October 3, 2017 - 12:36 PM MDT

Idaho Fish and Game Commission will entertain a proposal to open a steelhead harvest fishery in the Snake, Salmon, and Clearwater River drainages.

Steelhead Fishing Fishing Seasons and Rules Fish and Game Commission Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Youth steelhead fishing clinic to be held in Lewiston

Wednesday, September 20, 2017 - 3:22 PM MDT

Anglers ages 8-14 are invited to participate in the annual Steelhead Fishing Clinic to be held October 26 and October 28 at the Idaho Fish and Game office in Lewiston.

Steelhead Fishing Clearwater Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Steelhead fishing status

Friday, September 1, 2017 - 7:59 AM MDT

This page serves as your one-stop status report as official information on steelhead fishing this fall 2017 becomes available. 2017 Steelhead Fishing Status

Steelhead Fishing Fishing Idaho Seasons and Rules Fishing Seasons and Rules Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Why are Idaho's steelhead runs so low?

Thursday, August 24, 2017 - 11:37 AM MDT

Idaho is experiencing a historic low steelhead run. There are many things that influence steelhead survival, but most signs point to abnormal ocean conditions affecting Idaho's steelhead run this year.

Steelhead Fishing Fishing Clearwater Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Face down fish counts for Idaho's salmon and steelhead

Wednesday, August 23, 2017 - 6:40 PM MDT

The next time you see a group of people crawling face down up a stream in wetsuits, don’t be alarmed. It’s probably an Idaho Fish and Game snorkel survey crew collecting information to help better understand and monitor Idaho’s salmon and steelhead populations.

Steelhead Fishing Fishing Clearwater Region
Fish and Game closes steelhead harvest to protect small run of fish

Tuesday, August 15, 2017 - 12:20 PM MDT

Closing harvest of hatchery steelhead while leaving it open for catch-and-release fishing will help ensure enough broodstock return to steelhead hatcheries to produce the next generation of fish, and also protect wild fish.

Steelhead Fishing Clearwater Region Southwest Region Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)