Fishing Seasons
Adult steelhead returning from the ocean start swimming into Idaho waters each July. Beginning in August and for the next nine months anglers pursue hatchery steelhead as they migrate up the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon Rivers. Steelhead fishing winds down by the end of May as the fish reach their spawning grounds in Idaho's mountain streams and hatcheries.

• Species Profile
• Seasons and Rules [PDF, 2.6 MB]
• Harvest Report
• Count Over Bonneville/Lower Granite Dams
• Steelhead Count History

Angling Techniques
Steelhead respond to a variety of angling techniques. Since they are not feeding as they wait to spawn, the angler pesters the steelhead enough to get it to strike. They're aggressive and will take a variety of bait, lures, and flies. Some anglers prefer plugs, shrimp or fresh roe (fish eggs).