Steelhead move up Clearwater as anglers prepare for spring bite

This winter has been a good one for steelhead anglers in Idaho, especially on the Clearwater River.

Catch rates have been as low as five hours per fish, which is considered excellent for the hard-fighting, yet sometimes elusive ocean-going rainbow trout.

Unlike most anadromous species, Idaho steelhead can spend many months in fresh water before they spawn in the spring, giving anglers extra opportunity to fish for them.

In the past few weeks Clearwater steelhead have begun appearing in the South Fork Clearwater.

According to regional fish manager Joe Dupont, 15 to 100 steelhead have been moving into the South Fork each day.

More anglers are fishing the South Fork, and Dupont expects those numbers to increase as spring approaches.

While catch rates on the Lower Clearwater rose a bit at the end of January, anglers should not be discouraged. There are plenty of fish still moving through the system, and the best is yet to come.

"As you get closer to spawning, you will see more fish showing up in the areas they were released from," Dupont said. "Late in the season, you can experience incredible catch rates in the lower Clearwater."

One of the major release points is just below Dworshak Dam.

Most steelhead spawn in March and early April, so anglers fishing the North Fork Clearwater (below Dworshak) and the main Clearwater just downstream from the North Fork will have a good opportunity to catch more steelhead in less time for the next six to eight weeks.

The same phenomenon will occur in the Salmon River, as steelhead continue to move up the system toward the places they were hatched or released.