Best times for Idaho steelhead fishing

Idaho steelhead fishing occurs primarily in late fall through mid-spring. On the Lower Salmon River, fishing for steelhead is productive by early October. We offer a combination five-day steelhead fishing/chukar hunting trip there during the first half of October, using drift boats. This consists primarily of backtrolling from the boat, though fly fishing is an option in some runs. We may also fish for small mouth bass, trout, or sturgeon. The canyon here is about three thousand feet deep; chukar may be close to the river, especially in dry conditions, or we may have to climb for them. A large inflatable boat goes ahead to set up camp, so that fishermen can stay on the river until sundown perfecting his/her Idaho steelhead fishing techniques and pull up to a camp with tables, chairs, tents and lanterns set up, waiting to throw steaks on the grill.

There is some good whitewater, primarily in a half-day segment of the river. This is a combination trip--on a particular section, focus will depend on interests of the participants and which activity is productive at the time.

Fly fishing in Idaho for steelhead is best in mid-fall, while water temperature is still in the 40s or higher. Some of the best fly fishing in Idaho for steelhead is in the Salmon area, where the river is smaller and fish can be more easily pinpointed than in the larger water downstream. Often this becomes a balancing act. If you fish too early, there may not be enough fish to be productive. Too late results in water temperatures that are too cold for best response to a fly. Usually the last half of October provides a good opportunity for fly fishing. In Idaho, though, weather can be hard to predict. We offer day trips in drift boats at that time, using a variety of methods and tackle.

Salmon river fishing times

In the upper Salmon River, fishing for steelhead is suspended during winter months because of ice, but resumes in late winter. We again offer day drift boat trips in March near Salmon. In this part of Idaho, steelhead fishing usually ends in late March-early April as the fish have moved on upstream to spawn. Let Aggipah take you Salmon river fishing - we know and understand the river.

For More Information: Call 1-208-756-4167