Steelhead Fishing in Idaho

While not quite as famous as places like the Dean River in BC, steelhead Fishing in Idaho can be the best anywhere. Especially if you choose the right fishing guide on The Clearwater, Salmon and Snake Rivers.

These Idaho steelhead bound for the Clearwater, Salmon and Snake Rivers begin to make their way into the Columbia River System in the Summer and Early Fall.

A Run Steelhead

The steelhead fishing in Idaho begins with the “A Run” Fish that are smaller in size but you will generally catch more of them. These “A Run” fish are normally Snake River Fish and the guides will be on them every step of the way.

B Run Steelhead

Followed by the “A Run steelhead”, “B Run” fish average much larger in size, and start showing up in October and November.

Where to go steelhead fishing in Idaho.

Confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers

Our Guides will be on them starting in the Confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers at Lewiston, Idaho in August and September. This is a great time of year if you want the good weather and to just flat catch fish in good numbers.

Snake River

As we make our way into the end of September we will be booking trips for the Snake River Hells Canyon steelhead fishing. These are Awesome trips with lots of bright fish being caught. We book Hell’s Canyon trips from the end of September through February.

Clearwater River

We start booking for the Clearwater River in October through March where the fish are Bigger (“B Run”) and fight like crazy. This is the trip you want if you are looking for those steelhead that can tip the scales in the mid to high teens and sometimes over 20 pounds! These fish are gorgeous and are excellent table fare as well.

Salmon River

Steelhead fishing the Salmon River in Idaho is nothing short of amazing! Not just in the fact the scenery is breathtaking and the fish are beautiful. If you want a fish that has come a long way to offer you the fight you’ve been looking for in the most rugged country in the state this trip is one you will want to take!

Fishing Methods

You will probably be fishing from jet sleds that can fish 4 and 6 anglers depending on the group size. We can accommodate large groups of anglers with multiple boats. You will primarily be side drifting a combination of row, yarn and beads as this is a very productive method in this often times fast moving water. This is the perfect trip for beginner and experienced anglers alike.

Clients will meet your guide at the ramp on the morning of the trip. These ramps will vary by where the fish are at in the river system or where the best fishing has been going on.

We work with the best of the best and these guides are on the river more than they are on land. If you want to just go fishing this isn’t the trip for you. If you want to catch fish then you came to the right place.

Getting There

We recommend clients travel and find accommodations in Lewiston or Orofino, Idaho based on what section of river you will be fishing. Our team can make recommendations for hotels and restaurants in the area.

If you’re fishing the Salmon, you’ll usually travel to Challis, Idaho.

Steelhead Fishing Gear

Most Steelhead Fishing Trips are done during the Fall and Winter months and it can get cold out on the water. We recommend dressing in layers and dressing to stay warm.

Check out our List of Recommended Gear Here.

*All Rods, Reels, Tackle and Bait are of the highest quality and are provided by your guide.