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

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)
Fishing with the Crowd

Thursday, May 4, 2017 - 1:46 PM MDT

The video "Angler Etiquette: Fishing with the Crowd" covers commonly held practices in the fishing community when it comes to fishing around others and avoiding potential conflicts.

Chinook Salmon Fishing Steelhead Fishing Fishing Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Upper Salmon River Steelhead Fishing Report (5/1/17)

Monday, May 1, 2017 - 11:06 AM MDT

The spring 2017 steelhead season on the upper Salmon River closed at the end of Sunday, April 30th.

Salmon Region Steelhead Fishing Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)