Female

Fish › Salmon & steelhead

Salmon & steelheadSalmonidaeT4 (Apparently Secure) · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: S4Anadromous

Steelhead

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Ocean-run rainbow trout that power one of Idaho’s longest and most mobile river fisheries.

Overview

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.

About Steelhead

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.

Steelhead Silhouette

Primary

Behavior

spawning: As anadromous rainbow trout, steelhead return from the ocean to freshwater to spawn.
feeding style: Coldwater salmonids that feed opportunistically; young fish rely heavily on zooplankton and aquatic insects, while larger fish take more insects and small fish.
seasonal notes: Idaho Fish and Game notes fishing can start in August and continue for about nine months, with fall action strongest on lower Clearwater, Snake, and Salmon reaches before effort shifts upstream into the South Fork Clearwater, Little Salmon, and upper Salmon.

Habitat

water types: large rivers, coldwater rivers, mainstem runs, tributary mouths
preferred holds: Traveling and holding fish favor cool, flowing river sections with depth, current seams, tailouts, runs, and softer holding water near migration corridors.

Where Found

Blue Ribbon waters

Recommended waters

Diet

Steelhead feed on insects and other invertebrates, and larger fish also take terrestrial prey and small fish.

Angler Tactics

tactics: Follow the run timing: start on lower river sections in late summer and fall, then move upstream as fish migrate. Focus on current edges, tailouts, and deeper holding water, and always check the current season and river-specific rules before fishing.
effective methods: drifting bait or beads, jigs under a float, spoons and spinners, flies

Regulations

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.