Fishing a remote area of the Salmon River.
The Salmon River is famous for its steelhead fishing. Steelhead are actually rainbow trout that migrate to the ocean (in some places as far as 400 miles) and return to fresh water to spawn. They return around June and August and are rated as A and B run Steelhead based on the amount of time spent at sea, which has a direct bearing on their size when they return to fresh water. The A-run steelhead usually spend only a year at sea and are therefore smaller than the B-run steelhead. Most A-run steelhead are found in the Salmon and Snake rivers.
A-Run, B-Run Specifics
Because the A-run steelhead spend only a year in the ocean, their average weight is four to six pounds and they are usually about 23 inches to 26 inches long--smaller than the B-run steelhead. The B-run steelhead spend between two years to four years at sea before returning to spawn but their river of preference is the Clearwater River. They return later in the year, usually late August or September, and because of the extra time at sea are larger, running 10 to 13 pounds and 31 inches to 34 inches long.
Fishing the Salmon River
Anglers wanting to test the waters of the Salmon River for steelhead are permitted to spin cast or fly fish, but in either event the pole should be stout and the line should be at least 10-pound test. For spin fishing, use of a corky is recommended. The best tested live bait are nightcrawlers, uncooked shrimp or salmon eggs. Bright weighted jigs with feather tails have also proven successful. It is recommended that fly fishermen use brightly colored weighted streamers like green butt skunk or polar shrimp. The cast should be on a sinking tip or head fly line to get the fly down to fish level in the stream.
Stocking
In addition to the pristine outdoor environment, the scenic wild river and the solitude one can enjoy fishing the Salmon River for steelhead is the remarkable number of fish that swim the waters that are boosted through a highly intensive stocking program. From 2003 through 2010, the state has stocked the Salmon River with nearly 1.3 million A-run steelhead. In 1996, the state stocked the river with an additional 700,000 B-run trout. Add those numbers to a roughly equal number of native spawning streelhead and you might wonder how you don't trip over them. If you're thinking of winter fishing, the Salmon River, mostly because of its elevation, has a tendency in cold years to freeze over. In years it does not, winter fishing tends to be slow and the bite soft, so much more patience if required. The Clearwater does not freeze in winter.
Steelhead Limits Changed for 2010
Steelhead bag and possession limits for the spring 2010 steelhead season in the Snake, Salmon and Little Salmon rivers have changed to a daily limit of five with no more than three of 32 inches or greater in length. The possession limit is 15 and no more than nine may be 32 inches or greater in length. The statewide limit for the spring season is 40, but no more than 20 of those may be caught in the Clearwater River drainage area.
Licenses, fees, seasons
As of June 2010, anglers need a license and a permit to fish the Salmon River. The license cost for steelhead is $25.75, while the permit cost is an additional $12.75 for both residents and non-residents. Licenses must be purchased at 18 years old or older. You can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $841.75. The fishing seasons vary slightly by river. For the Salmon River, the fall season is Sept. 1 through Dec. 31. The spring season is Jan. 1 through April 30. Since licenses are only good for one calendar year. You will need to get a new license for the spring season after your fall season expires, according to Ed Michell, spokesman for the Idaho Fish and Game Commission. There is also a special catch-and-release season Aug. 1 through Aug 31.
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