Steelhead catch rates are picking up and there is plenty of exciting fishing left.
Catch rates in mid-October were 11 hours per fish on the Snake below the Salmon River, 3 hours per fish on the Clearwater from the mouth upstream to the Orofino Bridge, 3 hours per fish on the North Fork Clearwater, and 20 hours per fish on the Salmon River from North Fork to the Lemhi River.
Steelhead fishing is unique, considering it is very good anytime catch rates are lower than 10 hours per fish caught.
The fall limits on the Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon is three per day and nine in possession. The fall limit on the Clearwater is two fish per day and six in possession. Anglers may keep 20 steelhead for the fall season which ends December 31.
Anglers must have a valid Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit, and may keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin. All other steelhead must be released unharmed immediately.
For more information on steelhead fishing including the latest catch rates, seasons and rules, dam counts, and useful instructional videos, go to http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead.