Idaho anglers are taking advantage of the mild winter to pursue steelhead, one of the state’s most sought after game fish. February of 2015 was the warmest on record in many parts of Idaho, and the mild weather contributed to ideal fishing conditions on the Salmon, Clearwater and Snake Rivers.
As March came in like a lamb, anglers were busy working the water on their favorite rivers. Anglers fishing the upper Salmon River, Little Salmon River and South Fork Clearwater River enjoyed catch rates as low as four hours per fish. Seasoned anglers know anything less than six hours per fish is considered excellent.
As the water in these rivers continues to warm, steelhead will become even more active. As long as runoff remains steady and the rivers don’t get too high or muddy, March of 2015 could easily prove to be a month to remember for steelhead anglers in Idaho.
For more information on steelhead fishing in Idaho, including the most recent harvest results and hatchery returns, go to: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=38.
source: Idaho Department of Fish and Game