2025 Idaho Steelhead Fishing

A big spring 2025 steelhead run holds potential for anglers hoping to catch one of Idaho’s most sought after fish.

The latest steelhead return is the best since 2015 with more than 100,000 fish crossing Lower Granite Dam in 2024, according to Idaho Fish and Game (IDFG).

Steelhead move into Idaho headwaters during late winter and early spring, which concentrates them in the upper tributaries of the Clearwater and Salmon rivers.

Idaho’s spring steelhead runs provide a rare opportunity for anglers to catch large, ocean-going steelhead, a migratory form of rainbow trout.

Locations

In the Clearwater area, the South Fork Clearwater River and the mainstem Clearwater River in the Kooskia/Kamiah areas, main Clearwater River near Dworshak Hatchery and the North Fork Clearwater River are all good choices depending on the type of fishing you enjoy. Boaters often target the main river, while bank anglers often focus on the tributaries.

Fishing usually ramps up as soon as water temperatures start to warm near Riggins on the Salmon and Little Salmon rivers, and the Snake River near Hells Canyon Dam.

In the Upper Salmon River near the town of Salmon, the Deadwater ice jam breaking up is the signal that fishing will start picking up, which typically happens in late February or early March. When the ice jam breaks up, those fish start pouring through and heading all the way to the Stanley area.

Fishing Conditions

Warmer weather gets the fish moving and more active. Gradual warming of waters tends to improve fishing. Excessive rain can turn rivers into muddy torrents and make steelhead fishing difficult.

Anglers can see a river flow gauges thanks to the U.S. Geological Survey, which has gauging stations throughout Idaho. By watching the weather and the stream flows, anglers can track in real time what’s happening with the rivers.

Steelhead typically prefer greenish water but not too low and clear, or too muddy. The weather can change quickly in late winter and early spring, so fishing can change dramatically from day to day. Steelhead fishing also tends to improve when a river recedes after a big pulse of runoff.

Fishing Pressure

Steelhead congregating in smaller headwaters and tributaries means there can be crowding. In some cases, steelhead fishing can be a social experience.

In other situations, there may be intense competition for prime fishing spots, especially on weekends. Less crowded conditions usually occur during midweek or later in the day on weekends.

There are more than a 100 miles of river between Stanley and Salmon, and more downstream from Salmon, and most of it is road accessible.

Steelhead Reports

To further fine tune knowledge, steelhead anglers can check Fish and Game’s harvest reports to see how the fishing is. Catch rates at under 10 hours per fish is good, and under 5 hours per fish is excellent.

Another option is to check the hatchery returns, which helps you track when fish start arriving at hatcheries, and it can also be an indicator of how many remain in the river nearby.

It’s better to be a little early than a little late because fish are migrating. A phone call to Fish and Game regional offices or local tackle shops can also provide anglers with useful and timely information.

Doing research and watching the weather will help anglers choose a time when river conditions are good and fish are in the area.

E-tagging

Idaho Fish and Game’s new electronic salmon and steelhead permits are available at all vendors, or through the Go Outdoors Idaho mobile app.

E-tagging also allows anglers to buy an electronic salmon or steelhead permit with their smart phone and start fishing immediately.

E-tagging allows salmon or steelhead anglers to validate their permits electronically. Anglers can use the app while out of cell service, in low service areas, and while the device is on airplane mode.

Anglers that purchase a paper tag are ineligible for e-tagging. To learn more see the Idaho Fish and Game e-tagging webpage.

source: Idaho Fish and Game