Synopsis

As of today, March 31st at sundown, trout fishing in the Wood River Valley is closed; however, with the close of trout fishing season comes another spectacular fly-fishing option – steelheading! The annual run of Salmon River Steelhead is in full swing and by all accounts it is one of the most exciting runs to date. Driving north from Sun Valley to Stanley is an enticing excursion and many fishermen are finding success chasing one of nature’s finest fish.

Steelhead Fishing

As of March 29th, there were 750 returning steelhead recorded at the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery. On many years our current count might equal 20%-40% of the total return of these anadromous fish. This year, the expected totals could reach as high as nine or ten thousand fish, the largest run in recent history. Our current counts are only the tip of the iceberg, providing first-time steelheaders with the opportunity to hook into their first Sawtooth Steelie or for more experienced anglers to chase their addiction to metalheading.

The bulk of the run has now moved upriver from Salmon and extends from Ellis to Stanley. Many fish are being caught downstream of Challis but a respectable number are being caught in the shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains downriver from Stanley. The vast majority of fish being landed are A-run steelhead. These river runners are returning this spring after having spent one year in the Pacific Ocean before returning to their native spawning grounds. The A-run fish – as well as the approaching B-run fish will have traveled 960 river miles and ascended 7000 vertical feet to reach their final destination. A-runs will occasionally reach 30 inches while B-run steelhead, having remained in the ocean for 2-4 years before migrating back to Idaho, can grow in excess of 40 inches. Regardless of length or weight, all steelhead returning to Idaho are magnificent creatures and sought after trophies.

Most anglers who fish for Steelhead on the Salmon River are bait fishermen and use roe sacks, egg patterns, shrimp or jigs and spoons. This technique is very effective because it relies on the steelhead’s remarkable sense of smell and dependency on habitual feeding. Fly fishermen, on the other hand, tend to find success with plastic or gel egg imitations, egg sucking leeches, string leeches, mayfly and stonefly nymphs and other attractor patterns. Leech colorations in purple, black, chartreuse, cream, pink, peach and white are the most effective in the water. Egg patterns and egg cluster imitations in red, orange, peach, and green can result in good hook ups. Many fishermen will drop egg patterns off of leeches, other egg imitations or nymphs. As for technique, dead drifting with the current before letting the river swing your fly below you is an effective way of presenting flies to steelhead in the deeper runs and pockets. As of last weekend, some fish have begun to dig their spawning beds allowing for sight fishing in the shallow, gravel bars and runs. While wading, look for light colored divots indicating the spawning beds, but avoid wading through them so as not to disturb the egg-laden nests. Whether blind fishing or sight fishing, chasing the Rocky Mountain Steelhead is a grand endeavor, and with the closing of trout season, is the perfect way to spend your day.

Synopsis

As the late winter/early spring trout season draws to a close, Rainbows are feeding ravenously as they prepare for their annual spawning cycle. But as the freestone trout approach the end of their season, the Steelhead run on the Salmon River is just getting going. So, whether you prefer casting light tippet and miniscule dries for aggressively feeding trout or dredging the riverbed with leeches and egg patterns for the Rainbow’s larger cousin, the time is right to wet your line and enjoy the beauty of the Northern Rockies in March.

Trout Fishing

The Big Wood, Big Lost and South Fork of the Boise are all fishing well, especially on warmer days. Midges remain the big story on our local freestones and tail waters, but you may also see a few black stoneflies and Baetis flittering around. The midges are best imitated on the surface with a variety of midge adults and emergers (size 18-22). Griffith’s Gnats are always a good selection but any small black and white dry will work well. Try any number of snowfly patterns and if you find yourself short on imitations, throw your favorite Trico pattern and watch the fish take your fly! Subsurface, fish will be feeding actively both before and after the bulk of the midges make their daily appearance on the water. Successful fishermen are using a variety of midge pupae patterns (size 18-22) in red, black and gray as well as brassies in red and copper and zebra midges in black and brown. Dropped off a mayfly nymph like a prince nymph or flashback pheasant tail (size 12-18), the midge/mayfly combo can be deadly this time of year. Trout are feeding with abandon from late morning into late afternoon when the weather is consistent and the barometer steady. With variable weather forecasted for the upcoming week, you’ll have better luck if you check the weather report and plan to hit the river on sunnier, high pressure days. However, with limited time left for winter fishing, a dropping barometer is not always reason enough to stay home – trout season closes at dark on March 31st and there’s not a moment to lose!

Steelhead Fishing

The annual run of Idaho steelhead is nearing the headwaters of the Salmon River and hook rates are steadily rising all the way up to Stanley. The majority of fish are still between Challis and Salmon, but some early runners are already knocking on the door of the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery. Currently, the bulk of hookups are a result of blind fishing runs and deep pools, but soon most of the fish will begin to stage in shallower water as they prepare to spawn. As the Steelhead move towards shallower waters, there will be more opportunities for sight fishing.

There are many ways to fish for Steelhead, but one of the better techniques is to dead-drift flies along the bottom of the riverbed and then let the fly swing across the river as the current straightens out the line. Egg-sucking leeches, egg imitations, string leech patterns and mayfly or stonefly nymphs are all good choices for fooling Steelhead. Almost every color of the rainbow can initiate a strike from these river runners, but pink, purple, black, peach, cream and white are certainly good choices for leech imitations. Dropping an egg pattern off of a leech or large nymph is also a good approach and doubles your opportunity when blind fishing. When evaluating water to be fished, look for the tail out of faster runs and expect fish to hold where the current subsides and they can rest before continuing their ascent. Work your way downstream using the abovementioned technique of dead drifting and swinging and with a little persistence that strike indicator will eventually dive toward the bottom and the adrenaline rush will surely follow!

Synopsis

March is a spectacular time to fly fish our local rivers. In the opinion of many anglers, March offers the best dry fly fishing of the year. Midges and a few Baetis will blanket our local freestones through the end of the general trout season (March 31st) and, especially on the warmer days, catch rates can skyrocket for the determined fly fisherman. However, freestone trout are not the only quarry of springtime. Steelhead, which are currently running up the Salmon River, present fly fishermen with a rewarding challenge in the shadow of springtime in the Sawtooth Mountains. Whether you choose to chase the recklessly feeding Rainbows or the “metalheads” of the North Country, March is a great opportunity to get your gear tuned up, enjoy the first warm sunny days of the year, and create angling memories to last a lifetime.

Trout Fishing

The Big Wood River, the Big Lost and the South Fork of the Boise will continue to fish extremely well through the end of the month. The Rainbow Trout will be feeding non-stop late morning through late afternoon. Midges will be the main attraction with hatch numbers and insect size growing through the end of the season. Before and after the main emergences of the day, subsurface feeding will also be active. Midge pupae in sizes 18-22 will be the best selection and can be trailed off mayfly nymphs such as bead headed flashback pheasant tails or prince nymphs (size 14-18) or even cranefly pupae patterns like the Philo Beto. Brassies in copper and red, zebra midges in black and red and midge pupae in grey, black and red will be the most effective midge patterns. When trout are feeding on top, midge patterns like the Griffith’s Gnat, snowfly imitations or even small Trico patterns will catch rainbows off guard. Although it can still be effective swinging and stripping sculpin patterns, the dry fly fishing will climax as the season winds down and should not be missed!

Steelhead Fishing

The annual run of Rocky Mountain steelhead is now underway and fish have been caught as high as Slate Creek (30 minutes downstream from Stanley). The bulk of the run is still well downstream from Challis and driving the extra distance is the best course of action early in the season. There are two effective ways to approach this fishery – walk and wade or drift boating. Currently the boat ramps are iced in at the East Fork of the Salmon and at Deadman Hole, but below at Bayhorse (45 minutes downstream of Stanley) the ramp is clear and continuing downstream all other access points are free from ice. The best technique for steelheading with the aid of a drift boat is to float from one deep run or hole to the next, anchoring and working the water slowly and methodically from the top of the run downstream. It is best to cast at a perpendicular angle to the current, allowing the fly to sink to the bottom where the fish are holding, and then allow the fly to swing below you with the current. Fish are most likely to hit as the fly dead drifts down deep or when the fly initially begins to swing. Walk and wade fishing on the Salmon River is very accessible since, in most stretches, the river road runs parallel to the river. For fly selection, try string leech patterns in black, purple, chartreuse, blue, pink or white. Egg-sucking leech patterns can also be effective or try egg patterns trailed off of leech patterns. Mayfly and stonefly nymphs can also hook fish when the larger, less subtle leech patterns are not turning the Steelhead. The use of strike indicators will increase the hook-up rate, particularly while blind fishing. Just remember, regardless of your approach or chosen fly, there is little that compares to the beauty and exhilaration of fishing for our Rocky Mountain Steelhead.

Synopsis

The Salmon River was originally named for the migratory salmon species which teemed within its banks, but this spring it will be the Steelhead which draws anglers to its shores. Steelhead are the springtime attraction for fishermen on the “River of No Return” and this year promises to offer the highest “steelie” return in recent memory. The Idaho Fish and Game as well as local outfitters, guides and fishermen are expecting this to be an epic run and one that could be talked about in local fly-shops, restaurants and bars as the best steelhead season in modern history. The number of fish which have fought their way past the eight dams between the Pacific Ocean and the Sawtooth Mountains this year, dwarfs any run in recent memory. As many as nine thousand fish are projected to reach the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery by the end of April – grounds for any angler within striking distance to plan to spend some time casting for these remarkable fish.

History Lesson

Before hitting the icy waters, it is important to understand a few facts about the Steelhead and the Upper Salmon River run in particular. The Salmon River Steelhead that make the journey toward Stanley, Idaho and the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery are unique. Returning Steelhead will swim approximately 960 river miles to reach the spawning grounds from which they originated. This is the longest anadromous run of any steelhead in the lower 48 states. Each fish will have negotiated eight hydroelectric dams, countless predators (oceanic, fresh water, aviary and human), gill nets, trawlers, a myriad of natural and man-made obstacles as well as iced-up rivers, waterfalls, hot and cold temperatures and many other unforeseen factors. The odds of any one of these fish actually making it back to their birthplace is miniscule. Nearly 97% of all juvenile Steelhead (known as smolt) are killed by the dam turbines on their journey to the Pacific. Although man made changes to the natural river systems have put the survival of Steelhead in jeopardy for years, conservation efforts and a robust hatchery system has resulted in a significant rise in Steelhead returns this year.

Although Steelhead will run up the Columbia River and its tributaries during their annual migration, it is in the Stanley Basin where our local fish return to spawn. Remarkably, these feisty fish, through a powerful sense of smell and an intuitive knowledge beyond our understanding, are able to retrace their previous journey to eventually come to rest directly above the spawning beds (known as redds) from which they hatched two or three years earlier. The cycle of life is therefore not only figurative in this case, but also literal. To realize, when holding one of these treasured trophies, that the fish in your hands has traveled nearly two thousand miles as a part of its circle of life before taking your fly is, one of the most satisfying feelings an angler can experience.

The Equipment

So how does someone new to the sport of Rocky Mountain Steelhead fishing find the equipment, tackle and knowledge to entice one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish onto the end of their line? First, let’s talk tackle. The most common fly patterns used locally for these sea-run rainbows include leeches, egg imitations, woolly worms, stonefly nymphs and mayfly nymphs. Leeches, which are many fly anglers “go-to” patterns, may be thrown in colors ranging from purple, black and chartreuse, to orange, blue, pink and white. Egg sucking leeches which feature egg like imitations tied at the eye of the hook, can be effective especially when coupled with a trailing hook (sometimes referred to as a stinger hook). Often fishermen will drop an egg pattern from the leech, but when sight fishing, this may lead to undesired snagging of fish which should be avoided at all costs. As mentioned, nymph patterns can also be effective and should be fished along the bottom in the same way that trout fishermen employ nymphs by using a strike indicator and a splitshot. A combination of any of these patterns works well when blind-fishing for Steelhead.

Rod selection is a matter of personal choice and river flow conditions. Steelhead are large fish and will likely measure 22″-40”, but because the water they live in is so powerful, rod weight consideration should revolve around the ability to land a fish in heavy current rather than presenting a gracious cast. Rod weights between 7 and 10 are most common. A larger steelhead in heavy water will likely take you to the rod’s limit regardless of the weight.

Where To Look

So where should you search for the wily Salmon River Steelhead? Early in the season, before the fish move to their spawning beds, blind-fishing deep runs and pockets is the best option. Look for deeper holes between riffled runs where fish will pause to rest before negotiating the faster water upstream. Using any of the aforementioned flies, weight your line with the proper amount of splitshot that will allow the fly to bounce along the bottom where the fish are holding. I find that a “high sticking” technique where the rod tip is pointed upward at a 45-60 degree angle allows one to employ the proper mends while maintaining a connection to the fly. If done properly, you will feel every little bump and bounce of the fly on the riverbed and when your strike indicator pauses or you feel immediate pressure on the line, set the hook. Although you may lose a few flies on the many boulders that blanket the riverbed, eventually your patience will be rewarded by the unmistakable head shake and the adrenaline rush which inevitably follows hooking up with a Steelhead.

As the season progresses into April, sightfishing will become more popular as the fish begin to stage in shallow, gravelly bars and riffles. By dead drifting flies across the snout of the Steelhead, you will often irritate the fish into hitting the fly out of aggression. It is important to remember that once Steelhead move into freshwater from the ocean, they do not feed for nourishment. Although they do feed on occasion, it is out of aggression or habit, not hunger. Therefore, if you can accurately float the fly directly in front of the nose of your target, your success rate will increase significantly.

Tell Me More

As with any outdoor endeavor, steelhead fishing demands hard work and patience. If you want some help navigating the icy stretches of the Salmon River, our guides are the most professional and experienced fishing guides in the region and can provide you with all equipment, tackle and knowledge necessary to find regular success with Idaho “steelies.” If you decide to try for these river monarchs on your own, visit the shop on Main Street in Ketchum. Ask Dave or Todd about which flies might be the hottest patterns at the moment and arm yourself with the local knowledge necessary to hook into one of these magnificent fish.