Idaho Steelhead Fishing Report
Updated Weekly by Idaho fish 'n' hunt's aStore & - - - - - - - - - - - -
Updated March 4th, 2010
Clearwater River
(Orofino Stream Flows)
The steelhead fishing has been fairly good up and down the river but best up into the North and especially the South Fork. The projected cooler snowy weather might effect the water temperatures this coming weekend and even the flows, but as long as the flows don't climb too fast or the water temps drop the fishing should still be good. A map showing the boundaries is available on Page 70 of the current Idaho Fishing Seasons and Rules booklet.
Little Salmon River (Riggins Stream Flow)
Only a few fish have been caught on the Little Salmon. It's still early yet and the flows have been very erratic lately making it difficult for fish to feel safe to enter the river.
Lower Salmon River ( Whitebird Stream Flow)
Anglers are catching fish throughout the system drifting bobbers with small jigs or drift fishing bait; even a few fly casters are taking fish. The majority of the fish in the lower river are coming from between Whitebird and the confluence of the Little Salmon, and then again further upstream to Vinegar Creek. Again most anglers are using bait like roe or shrimp, but jigs and plugs are also catching a few fish.
Upper Salmon River (Salmon Stream Flow)
The weather here is still warmer than normal and there is still enough open water that anglers are catching fish, a lot of fish, especially between the Middle Fork and the North Fork. Most fishermen are drifting eggs, but jigs and even flies will catch fish. It's still a long way to go but if you're into smaller streams with plenty of access then this might be a good place to hang your hat, especially a little later this spring.
Hells Canyon on the Snake River (Lewiston to
Hells Canyon Stream Flows)
Higher and more erratic flows coming from the dam seems to be causing problems for bank fishermen. However, fishing has still been fair at times, but unpredictable like the flows. The fishing has been a little more predictable for boat anglers who are still catching fish, especially below the confluence of the Salmon River. Sand shrimp seems to be the number one bait for both bank and boat fishermen, but plain ole' small jigs under a bobber will catch fish and backtrolling bright colored plugs will work as well.
Fish Passage Center
Steelhead and Salmon dam counts
