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Steelhead

Steelhead

Idaho steelhead are ocean-going rainbow trout native to the Pacific Northwest that make an epic 900-mile journey from the Pacific Ocean up the Columbia and Snake Rivers to reach Idaho waters.

These are exclusively summer-run steelhead, classified into two main groups based on ocean residence time.

Physical Characteristics:
  • A-run steelhead typically weigh 4-6 pounds and measure 23-26 inches.
  • B-run steelhead weigh 10-13 pounds and measure 31-34 inches.
  • Some steelhead spend three years in the ocean, growing to over 37 inches and 20+ pounds.
  • The Idaho state record was 30 pounds, 2 ounces, caught in the Clearwater River in 1973.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in Idaho's major river systems.
  • A-run steelhead are found primarily in the Snake and Salmon Rivers.
  • B-run fish are almost exclusively found in the Clearwater River, though some enter the Salmon River system.

Key Locations

  • Clearwater River and its forks (South Fork, North Fork, Middle Fork), the Salmon River and Little Salmon River, and the Snake River system.
  • Key locations include the Clearwater River system (famous for B-run fish), Snake River through Hells Canyon, and the Salmon River drainage.
  • Spring fishing near Stanley in the upper Salmon River basin can be exceptional as fish stack up before spawning.

Specific Spots

  • Prefer deep pools, runs with moderate current, areas with structure like boulders and ledges.
  • Target deep pools, runs, tailouts, current seams, and structure.
  • Fish the 'void' water behind rising bottoms in tailouts, especially in cold water.

Steelhead FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Steelhead in Idaho?

In warmer water: spoons, spinners, and 'banana baits' (Yakima Mag Lip, Luhr Jensen Kwikfish). In colder water: spawn, beads, and jigs. Dr.ift fishing with corkies, worms, shrimp, roe, and beads.

What flies work for Steelhead in Idaho?

Weighted stoneflies, jig flies, nymphs, or e.g.g patterns for indicator fishing. Traditional patterns like Green Butt Skunk, Purple Peril, and Lady Caroline in sizes 4-8. For modern Spey fishing: larger flies like intruders and e.g.g-sucking leeches.

When is the best time to fish for Steelhead in Idaho?

Idaho steelhead fishing runs from August through May, with peak periods varying by location and technique. Fall fishing (September-December) is excellent on lower sections of the Clearwater, Snake, and Salmon Rivers, with October being prime on the Snake and Salmon systems.

How do you catch Steelhead in Idaho?

Two main fly fishing approaches: indicator fishing and swinging flies. Swinging is considered the premier method. Surface skating flies can be extremely effective in Idaho's waters. Conventional tactics include drift fishing, bobber and jig setups, plunking, and pulling plugs from boats ('hot shotting').

What do Steelhead eat?

As juveniles, steelhead eat insects, zooplankton, small fish, and fish e.g.gs. In the ocean, they feed on squid, crustaceans, anchovies, herring, and sardines. Adult steelhead holding in rivers prior to spawning don't actively feed but will strike at food, lures, and flies out of aggression or territorial behavior.

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