Spring Steelhead and Salmon Fishing in Idaho

Living in the McCall area puts us in a prime location for some of the best Steelhead & Salmon fishing in the Pacific Northwest.  All of the fishing for these two species takes place in Central and North Central Idaho on the Clearwater, Salmon and Snake rivers near Riggins, Lewiston, Orofino, Salmon and Stanley.  All within an hour or two drive of Valley County.

Timing is everything when planning your fishing adventure.

Steelhead season kicks off in late September or early October, and then again in the early spring before the spring runoff.  Salmon fishing occurs in May and June.   The timing and length of Idaho’s salmon fishing season depends on the number of fish returning to Idaho in any given year.  Both wild and hatchery fish of both species; Steelhead and Chinook return to Idaho each year.  Anglers can start fishing for hatchery chinook in April as they begin to return to the Clearwater, Snake, and Salmon Rivers.  Watch the Idaho Department of Fish and Game web site for the latest information on seasons and bag limits.  https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/rules/steelhead.pdf

Hiring a guide

Hiring a guide can make the experience more enjoyable and can be critical to your success catching fish, rather than just fishing for fish.  A licensed guide knows the best fishing holes, what gear to use to catch fish, and can help you cover more river territory.  They fish every day, and they have the ideal boat to get the job done. Whether you are looking for a quiet day on the river in a drift boat, or the fast paced action of fishing from a jet boat, a good guide can help you hook up with a big fish.  You can find a qualified  guide and an outfitter  on the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association website.  http://ioga.org/fishing/steelhead-and-salmon/