B-run steelhead
Clearwater River
B-run strain where applicable
Updated
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Fish › Salmon & steelhead
Oncorhynchus mykiss
Ocean-run rainbow trout that power one of Idaho’s longest and most mobile river fisheries.
Size range
24–48 in
Size range
Typical adult length in the waters we cover.
Water temperature
Coldwater
Water temperature
Preferred thermal regime for this species.
Active season
Seasonal runs
Active season
When anglers most often encounter this species.
Origin
Native
Origin
Stocking and native history where this species is found.
Habitat
Anadromous & Migratory, Rivers & Large Rivers
Habitat
Primary water types where this species is found.
Steelhead are the anadromous form of rainbow trout, born in freshwater, grown in the ocean, and returned to Idaho as hard-fighting adults. In Idaho, fisheries often begin in late summer on lower river reaches, then shift upstream through fall, winter, and spring as fish continue migrating.
Also known as: steelies
B-run steelhead
Clearwater River
B-run strain where applicable
Steelhead
Salmon River
Steelhead
Salmon River, Bayhorse Recreation Site to Tappan
Steelhead
Salmon River, Cache Bar to Carey Creek
Steelhead
Salmon River, Campbell Flat to Pine Bar
Steelhead
Salmon River, Carey Creek to Riggins
Steelhead
Salmon River, Colston Creek to Shoup Bridge Campground
Steelhead
Salmon River, Corn Creek Campground to Spring Bar
Steelhead
Salmon River, Deadwater Spring to Corn Creek Campground
Steelhead
Salmon River, Hammer Creek to Mouth / terminus
Steelhead
Salmon River, Headwaters to Sawtooth Kids Pond
Steelhead
Salmon River, Lucile Recreation Site to Campbell Flat
Steelhead
Salmon River, Maynard Hole to Hammer Creek
Steelhead
Salmon River, Riggins to Maynard Hole
Steelhead
Salmon River, Sawtooth Kids Pond to Sunbeam
Steelhead
Salmon River, Shoup Bridge Campground to Tower Rock Recreation Site
Steelhead
Salmon River, South Butte to Bayhorse Recreation Site
Steelhead
Salmon River, Spring Bar to Lucile Recreation Site
Steelhead
Salmon River, Sunbeam to South Butte
Steelhead
Salmon River, Tappan to Colston Creek
Steelhead
Salmon River, Tower Rock Recreation Site to Cache Bar
Episode 187 · Sep 9, 2026
Episode 180 · Feb 14, 2023
Steelhead feed on insects and other invertebrates, and larger fish also take terrestrial prey and small fish.
Steelhead seasons in Idaho are split into fall (July–December) and spring (January–May), with season, limits, and river boundary descriptions varying by water. Check Idaho Fish and Game steelhead seasons and rules for the specific river before you go.
Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.
Status: Native to Idaho (S4)
T4 (Apparently Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: S4Runs between freshwater and the ocean.
Browse species profiles with habitat, diet, tactics, and linked waters across the state.
Steelhead where open
South Fork Clearwater River
Season open per regulation
