Idaho offers some of the best steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest, boasting the longest free flowing river in the Lower 48 that offers plenty of opportunities to catch these large trout. Whether you’re new to steelhead fishing or you have years of experience under your belt, this guide will be a great overview of everything you should know about steelhead fishing on the Salmon River: fishing rules, licenses and permits, techniques, seasons, and more. 

What is a Steelhead?

First off, what is a steelhead? Steelhead are a form of coastal rainbow trout native to the Pacific Ocean. Steelhead are pretty interesting because they’re not salmon, but they behave like them in the way that they return to the rivers where they were born to spawn. Although they belong to the same species as trout, steelhead are anadromous—meaning that they migrate into the ocean—and get much larger than rainbow trout that stay in freshwater, growing up to 45 inches long and weighing up to 55 pounds.

The lifecycle of a steelhead is somewhat complex, beginning in freshwater rivers and ending up in the ocean. Male and female steelhead migrate to cold-water mountain streams in the winter, where they’ll spawn and females will typically lay thousands of eggs, buried underneath gravel for protection. Hatching takes place around 30-60 days later, and once they emerge from the gravel, juveniles (called alevins) find a slow-water area to reside in for 1-2 years. A couple of years later, young steelhead (smolts) will migrate into the estuary, living among the creatures of the ocean, and then eventually may return to freshwater to spawn all over again. The lifespan of a steelhead is usually between 4-6 years, so they’re not around for too long! And an interesting fact: steelhead don’t eat after leaving the ocean to spawn, so they’re significantly skinnier once they reach their spawning areas in the upper tributaries of the Salmon.

Idaho’s steelhead are classified into two groups: A-run and B-run steelhead. A-Run steelhead are found in the Snake and Salmon Rivers, returning from the ocean earlier in the year typically after spending around 12 months in the ocean (summer). A-run steelhead are on the smaller side due to their quick return and short time spent in the ocean, typically weighing between 4-6 pounds and growing to 23-26 inches in length.

B-Run steelhead, on the other hand, are significantly larger, weighing between 10-13 pounds and stretching nearly 34 inches long due to the fact that they typically spend two years in the ocean, and begin their migration to Idaho later in the year (summer/fall). The largest steelhead on record in Idaho was a whopping 30 pounds and 2 ounces, caught in the Clearwater River back in 1973!

Idaho Steelhead Fishing Rules & Regulations

It’s important to follow local rules and regulations when steelhead fishing in Idaho, so below, we’ve broken down the most important information you should be aware of.

Do you need a license to fish in Idaho?

Yes, you need an Idaho fishing license in order to fish anywhere in Idaho. Adult fishing licenses for residents cost $30.50, and adult licenses for nonresidents cost $108.

Do you need a permit to steelhead fish in Idaho?

In addition to a fishing license, you’ll need to obtain a Steelhead Permit to fish for steelhead in Idaho. This permit costs $15.25 for Idaho residents and $28.25 for nonresidents. You can also get a 3-day steelhead permit as a nonresident for $44.75.

What is the possession limit for steelhead in Idaho?

The amount of fish you’re able to keep varies by month, season, and location. All areas of the Salmon River (lower, middle, upper, and the Little Salmon) have possession limits of 3 fish per day during the spring season and fall season (a maximum of 20 fish per season), but note that different areas have slightly different seasons. You can find a full table of possession limits throughout different regions of Idaho here.

Where can I fish for steelhead on the Salmon River?

Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River is typically best in the Little Salmon and upper Salmon, but it varies by season. Our 1-Day Riggins Steelhead Fishing Trips leave from Vinegar Creek and take you 27 miles along the river through the Frank Church Wilderness, and our 3-Day Trip covers 50 miles, affording you the opportunity to take in more of Idaho’s scenic wilderness and spend more time boating & fishing. We take you to all the best fishing spots along the Salmon, so you won’t have to worry about finding the best locations on your own!

Looking for more fun things to do during your time in Idaho this summer? Be sure to read through our guide to 5 Can’t-Miss Outdoor Summer Activities in Idaho.

Steelhead Fishing Season on the Salmon River

What month is best for steelhead fishing on the Salmon River?

Steelhead begin swimming into Idaho every July, and spend the next 9-ish months migrating up the Snake, Clearwater, and Salmon Rivers. They’ll typically reach their spawning grounds in the mountains by the end of May, so steelhead fishing winds down in the late spring/early summer. Because of this, the best months for steelhead fishing on the Salmon River are from October-December and February-March.

When is spring steelhead season on the Salmon River?

Spring steelhead season opens when the river thaws, which is typically February-March on the Salmon River. We stop catching steelhead when the river warms up and gets dirty from spring runoff, so the spring season is really dependent on when and how the river thaws. The season typically closes at the end of April, but is subject to change by Fish and Game.

When is fall steelhead season on the Salmon River?

Fall steelhead season on the Salmon River typically opens on August 1st, but steelhead do like cooler temperatures—so the fishing usually gets good starting mid-October through November. We can fish for steelhead until the river freezes, which is usually around Thanksgiving, but of course that can change year to year. 

Is spring or fall better for steelhead fishing?

It really depends on what kind of steelhead fishing experience you’re looking for; it’s hard to say that one season is “better” than the other. If you’d like longer days and warmer temperatures, you may enjoy steelhead fishing in the early fall more than a cold day in February. However, those colder days in the late winter and early spring do tend to be less busy, so you may enjoy a quieter, more private experience, depending on what part of the Salmon you’re fishing. If you book a steelhead fishing tour with us, we’ll be more than happy to make our recommendations after hearing a bit about what type of fishing experience you’re envisioning! 

Techniques for Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River

Next, let’s touch on what equipment to use for steelhead fishing, as well as some of the most common steelhead fishing techniques we use on the Salmon River.

Steelhead Fishing Equipment

What length of rod should you use for steelhead fishing?

All equipment and bait varies with different styles of fishing, but on average, we like to use a rod around 8-9 feet in length.

What is the best bait for steelhead fishing?

The best bait for steelhead fishing is usually frozen shrimp or egg clusters.

Baitcaster vs. spinning reel: which one is better?

Baitcasters are fishing reels that are nestled on top of your fishing rod, and allow you to use a thicker line & have more direct control when casting. Spinning reels are typically easier to cast as you won’t need to worry about factors such as spool spin speeds or lure weight, but they struggle with heavier lines and lures, as well as achieving great distances like baitcasters can.

What type of setup is best for steelhead fishing?

We’ll talk a little bit more about the different styles of steelhead fishing in the next section, but we personally use a drift fishing setup that has a corky, yarn, and weight, similar to what this article details.

Styles of Steelhead Fishing

There are a variety of styles of steelhead fishing as well as different techniques you can use, but we’ll cover three of the most common that are typically used when steelhead fishing on the Salmon River.

Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is a technique in which the bait or lure is weighed down to drag across the river bottom, and can be done on both a boat and the bank. When drift fishing, you rely on the current to move your lure along in the water. On the Salmon, drift fishing is best done with an 8-9 foot rod. We mainly do this style of fishing on our fishing trips and provide our guests with all the gear they need to fish with. A typical drift fishing setup is a hook, yarn, corky, and shrimp bait.

Bobber Fishing

Bobber fishing is a great technique to use from the bank, especially for beginners. On the Salmon, this style of fishing is best done with a spinning reel and a rod in the 10 foot range.

Pulling Plugs

Also referred to as hot-shotting or backtrolling, pulling plugs is a fishing technique that involves towing a plastic lure (known as a plug) behind a boat. As the boat drifts downstream, the plug moves and wiggles in the water, attracting fish with minimal effort. While this method is usually performed from a boat, plugs can also be cast from the bank and swung in the current.

Ways to Steelhead Fish on the Main Salmon River

Lastly, let’s discuss the various ways you can access the Salmon River for steelhead fishing.

Where to Stay On the Salmon River

Riggins (where we’re based out of) is the main place to stay when steelhead fishing the main Salmon River, so we’d recommend finding accommodations here. Located in the west central region of Idaho about 3 hours north of Boise, Riggins is the northwestern most town in the Mountain time zone—and Pacific time begins just north of Riggins across the Salmon. To get here from out of state, you can fly into Boise, rent a car, and drive along ID-55 N all the way to Riggins.

There are an abundance of campsites, ranches, and cabins along the river, all of which offer unique lodging experiences depending on what type of place you’d like to stay. A few of our favorites along the Salmon include the RV Landing at Carlson Ranch, Spring Bar Campground, and our own glamping Airbnb called the Salmon River Dome! You can learn more about Riggins here, including all the main attractions, the best time of year to visit, and more.

Ways to Access the River

Jet Boat Fishing

Our favorite way to go steelhead fishing on the Salmon? Jet boat charters! At Whitewater Expeditions, we offer both 1-day and 3-day fishing trips within the Frank Church Wilderness, which is a breathtaking and scenic roadless area that you can’t access any other way. With over 30 years in business, we’ve got tons of experience in taking groups on incredible fishing trips through this area, and it truly never gets old. We keep our groups small so that you get a completely intimate and once in a lifetime experience, and we provide you with all the equipment you’ll need—no need to worry about bringing your own. We’ve got you covered!

Drift Boat Fishing

If you’d rather steelhead fish via drift boat (one of the styles we mentioned earlier), our friends over at Salmon River Drifters are a fantastic company to go through. They offer a variety of steelhead fishing trips on Salmon and have partnered with us to offer drift boat fishing trips with a night or two in our off-grid glamping dome on the banks of the Salmon River.

Bank Fishing

Finally, there are quite a few options for bank fishing if that’s your preferred way to steelhead fish on the Salmon, two of the main areas being along the Main Salmon River Road that leads to Vinegar Creek, and along the highway between Riggins and Whitebird.

Now that you’re well-equipped to head out on your next steelhead fishing adventure along the Salmon River, we’d love to be the ones to guide you on an unforgettable experience—learn more about our Salmon River steelhead fishing trips here, and take a look at the different options we offer to see what fits your group best. We can’t wait for you to make your journey through this scenic area of Idaho!

Similar Posts