Steelhead Season Opens

The Idaho steelhead harvest fishing season for most steelhead waters opened Friday, September 1. The low early numbers returning to Idaho may mean fewer steelhead caught early in the fall fishing season, but that doesn't always mean it'll be a bad year. The average harvest during the fall seasons from 2002 to 2005 is 36,000 steelhead. Of that, about 2,000 were caught in September, 13,000 in October, 14,700 in November and 6,400 in December. So even if the fish are a couple of weeks late getting back to Idaho, the fishing still should be best in October and November as it has been in past years. The steelhead season is open on the Salmon River, the Little Salmon River, and the Snake River downstream from Hells Canyon Dam. Anglers may fish for steelhead on the Clearwater River, but they may not keep any fish upstream from the U.S. Highway 12 Memorial Bridge until October 15. All anglers fishing for steelhead, even catch-and-release, must have a valid 2006 fishing license and steelhead permit. Statewide limits for steelhead are three per day, nine in possession, and 20 for the season, except for the Clearwater River system where the limits are two per day, six in possession, and 20 for the season. Steelhead anglers must use barbless hooks, and can keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin. All other steelhead must be released unharmed immediately. Consult 2006-2007 fishing rules brochure for exceptions and special restrictions. For more information on steelhead fishing in Idaho, check the Fish and Game Website http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.