Thanksgiving Steelheading

Good catch rates on the biggest run of hatchery steelhead in history appear more evenly spread around Idaho. The most recent creel counts show catch rates of six hours per fish on the Snake River above Lewiston, seven hours per fish on the Salmon River below North Fork, five to seven hours per fish on the Salmon near Riggins and Whitebird. Steelhead fishing is considered good any time catch rates are one fish per 20 hours. The run of big Bs came late on the Clearwater River this fall but anglers are reporting that fishing is finally picking up there. The larger B run steelhead have finally arrived in Idaho waters. Primarily bound for the Clearwater River, these fish average 33-34 inches in length and about 12-13 pounds. Some longer then three feet are being caught. So far, 600 steelhead from Hells Canyon hatchery have been planted in the Boise River to provide steelhead fishing in the middle of Idaho's largest metropolitan area. At least another 300 will be added by Thanksgiving. Because the Boise River no longer holds wild steelhead barbless hooks are not required, but anglers are reminded that they need a steelhead permit to fish the Boise. Some 235,000 steelhead have been counted coming over Lower Granite Dam on their way back into Idaho this year, a record number. Anglers are reminded again that only steelhead with the adipose fin missing (as evidenced by a healed scar) may be kept. Be sure of your catch too, because some coho and fall chinook salmon are also migrating upstream at this time of year. None can be kept. Some of these salmon are missing the adipose fin too, but even these cannot be kept.