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I found some more exciting news about the expected Chinook salmon run for us here in Idaho. The following came off the Columbian News Website:

“[Thursday, April 17, 2008
By ALLEN THOMAS, Columbian staff writer

The hottest spring chinook salmon angling in the lower Columbia River in decades comes to a close Monday to avoid exceeding the sport-fishing allocation.

"It appears there's a whole wall of salmon charging up the river,'' said Carmen MacDonald, an Oregon sport-fishing activist who predicted the run will be even larger than the forecast of 269,300.]” You can find the complete article “HERE“

(http://columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/04/04172008_Chinook-sport-fishing-season-to-end-soon.cfm)

If this all holds true and the run makes it to Idaho we should be have one of the best runs since the record breaking run in 2001. For those of you that were able to experience this run you know what this means for us here in Idaho. Those who did not have a chance to fish this run or have not fished for salmon here in Idaho now is your chance to experience some of the most exciting fishing in our fine state.

One thing that we all should keep in mind as the season approaches is we need to be courteous. Especially for those of us that fish the Little Salmon River South of Riggins Idaho; the fact is that large numbers of fish means large numbers of fishermen. I have never been a big fan of fishing in a crowd but my passion for hooking one of these great fish has made me change the way I look at this. I have made some great friend over the years and the only time we see each other is during the salmon run.

For those of you that do not know we have lost access to the river crossing just south of Riggins so we no longer have access to the east side of the river just another sing of the times. As we continue to loss access to familiar fishing grounds we are going to be forced to become even more compacted in the areas we do have access to.

A few simple Common Courtesies; can and will make the difference in how we all enjoy this salmon season.
1. One should never just barge into a hole with out at least say hello asking how fishing has been and if they mind if you try your luck!

2. Don’t be in a hurry to start fishing watch how others are fishing the spot and decide on how you can fish this spot without tangling with others.

3. Remember to pick up your trash. Yes yarn trimmings and fishing line is trash.

4. If you see some one have trouble give them a hand and a few pointers their not out to ruin your day they are probably just not familiar with this type of fishing.

5. Don’t stress over the guy just up stream that seems to be catching all the fish.

6. And most importantly relax and enjoy yourself we all no that we want to catch fish and have a good time and being courteous we allow us all to enjoy this season.

Lets all have a great time on the river this year and maybe we will even met some where along the bank and exchange a few fish stories.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Fishing Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere for your Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout Fishing Gear wants and needs.
http://www.steelhead-gear.com

We have been waiting to see what kind of Salmon season to expect here in Idaho this year and early prediction seem promising and the Idaho fish and game has expanded on some of the rule and fishing areas. Take a look at just what they have in store for us this year it is looking good.

The Following information was taken from the Idaho Fish and Game Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=4350  If their predictions hold true we should have a great salmon season here in Idaho the Spring and early Summer. I highlight some exciting changes in Red that are new this year.

 ***   IDAHO FISH AND GAME
HEADQUARTERS NEWS RELEASE
Boise, ID

Fish And Game Commissioners

Set Spring Salmon Seasons

 Idaho Fish and Game Commissioners, Wednesday, April 16, set spring Chinook salmon seasons, beginning Saturday April 26.

The season opens a half hour before sunrise on April 26 on parts of the Snake, Clearwater, Salmon and Little Salmon rivers. It opens on May 24 on the Lochsa River.

Commissioners are expected to consider seasons on the South Fork Salmon River and the upper Salmon River in May.

Chinook fishing will be open on the Snake River from the Dug Bar boat ramp upstream to Hells Canyon Dam; on mainstem Clearwater River from the Camas Prairie Railroad Bridge at Lewiston upstream to the South Fork Clearwater River; on the North Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to Dworshak Dam; on the South Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to the confluence of American and Red rivers; and on the Middle Fork Clearwater River from its mouth upstream to the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway rivers.

The Lochsa River will open, starting May 24, from its mouth upstream to the Twin Bridges immediately upstream from the confluence of Crooked Fork and Colt Killed Creek.

These segments will be open until July 20 or further notice, whichever comes first.

The Lower Salmon River will be open from the Hammer Creek boat ramp upstream to a posted boundary at the mouth of Short’s Creek - about 1.4 miles upstream of the mouth of the Little Salmon River - until June 22 or until further notice.

The Little Salmon River will be open from a posted boundary at its mouth upstream to U. S. Highway 95 Bridge near Smokey Boulder Road will be open until August 3 or further notice.

Fishing hours are from one half hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, local time, seven days a week until the seasons close.

Limits in the Clearwater River drainage are two per day, six in possession. On the Snake, Lower Salmon, and Little Salmon Rivers limits are three per day, nine in possession. The statewide limit for adult Chinook is 40 for the season.

Only hatchery Chinook salmon with a clipped adipose fin - evidenced by a healed scar - may be kept. All Salmon with an intact adipose fin must be released immediately. Any salmon caught in a legal manner must be released or killed immediately after landing.

The rules have changed for jack Chinook salmon this year. A jack is any Chinook less than 24 inches long. Anglers may keep two adipose-fin-clipped jacks per day and have six in possession in addition to the adult Chinook daily and possession limits. But they don’t have to record the jacks on their permit.

When the adult possession limit is reached, the angler must stop all fishing for salmon, including catch and-release and for jacks.

Anglers may use only barbless hooks no larger than 5/8 inch from the point to the shank. It is unlawful to take or fish for salmon by snagging. In the Lochsa River, salmon may only be taken with artificial flies and lures with one barbless hook per fly or lure - no bait. A single hook may have up to three points.

Anglers must have a valid fishing license and salmon permit in possession to fish for salmon, except on Free Fishing Day, June 7. Any nonresident 14 and older must buy a nonresident season fishing license and salmon permit, a nonresident junior fishing license and salmon permit, or a three-day salmon license.

Please consult the 2008-2009 Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure for additional rules, license costs and other information.

Locations common to Chinook salmon fisheries include:

• Dug Bar boat ramp, Snake River: Dug Bar boat ramp is about six miles upstream of the mouth of the Imnaha River, a tributary on the Oregon side of the Snake River about 52 miles upstream of Lewiston, Idaho.
• Hammer Creek boat ramp, Lower Salmon River: Hammer Creek boat ramp is about 34 miles downstream of Riggins and one mile downstream of Whitebird Creek.
• Smokey Boulder Bridge, Little Salmon River: The Smokey Boulder Bridge is a Highway 95 bridge which crosses the Little Salmon River about 24 miles upstream of Riggins and about five miles upstream of Hazard Creek.
• Railroad Bridge, Clearwater River: The Camas Prairie Railroad Bridge crosses the Clearwater River about one half mile upstream of its confluence with the Snake River and about 1 1/4 miles downstream of the U.S. Highway 12 Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Clearwater River near Lewiston.
• Time Zone Bridge: The Time Zone Bridge is on U.S. Highway 95 and crosses the Salmon River about one mile north of Riggins.
• Short’s Creek: Enters on the south shore of the Salmon River at the upstream end of Short’s Bar about 1.4 miles upstream of the confluence of the Salmon and the Little Salmon rivers.

Waters not specifically designated remain closed to fishing for Chinook salmon.

View the 2008 Chinook Salmon Seasons and Rules here: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/rules/chinook_seasons/  ***

It looks like it is time to stock up on our Salmon fishing supplies with an anticipated season like this and the high river flows we will more then like be experiencing we may very well need a full tackle box and plenty of fresh line. Let’s just hope that we are not disappointed as we were for the Run in 2005. So far the numbers are looking good I’ll try and keep you updated as the run develops.

By: RR Smith

Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Salmon and Trout Fishing Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

Today I must admit that I think the steelhead fishing on the Little Salmon River in Central Idaho for the most part was less then impressive as compared to previous years.

The River Flow has finally increased to near normal spring flows but the only thing that I noticed is an increase in the number of Steelhead Fishermen and no real increase in the number of Steelhead in the river.

Just what happened to the fish is some what of a mystery not only for the anglers but also for the fishery managers. Many of the other rivers around the state have seen good to great results the South Fork of the Clear water has seen some pretty impressive numbers or the last couple of weeks and the upper reaches of the Salmon River have been producing some nice results also. Where are the fish for the Little Salmon, no one really seems to know and since it is now past the middle of April, about all that is left for us to do is clean up our gear and put it away and wait until this fall in hopes of better numbers next year.

There were a few days this spring where I thought Steelhead fishing was going to pick up however the next trip was only full of disappointment. I do remember that several years back we had an early run off that brought up the river which was followed by a sudden drop in temperature which trapped a lot of the smolt in ponds and troughs when the river flows suddenly dropped and there was a large number of dead smolt in these spots. Maybe that is what is going on, we just lost too many of the smolt before they could even start their migration to the ocean. I’m not sure but it is just one explanation that I have thought of over the last couple of weeks while I was fishing and waiting for the main run to start.

Fisheries managers are expecting a good run of Salmon this spring and while I hade hopes that this would actually be the case the numbers over the last couple of days are becoming discouraging also. Right now we are just in a wait and see mode I will try to keep every one up dated as they dam counts come in so stay tuned. Remember that River flows will be much higher this year then we have seen in a number of years so be careful out there.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com
 

I don’t know what to tell you this year the weather still is not cooperating for us. Steelhead fishing in one hole will be great foe a while and then nothing for hours and then you may pick up one or two fish for the next several hours. Or like yesterday we fished all day and only caught two fish.Their were a couple of fishermen down stream from us that caught 10 fish in a little over an hours time and then they to did not catch anymore fish the rest of the day. This year has been very frustrating for most of us and I truly believe that it is all do to the weather. Meadows Valley still has about two feet of snow lying on the valley floor; normally the snow would be gone by this time of year. The Little Salmon river flow is what you would expect is see in February not the second week in May.

Every time I think the weather is going to change it hasn’t it is still getting down into the single digits at night and what snow has melted off seems to be going into the ground not running down the river. The upper reaches of the river are still covered with a blanket of snow and getting down to some of them has proven quite challenging at times.

I whish I could tell you with some certainty that fishing will pick up soon but I have been telling you this for over a month now. Steelhead fishing remains steelhead fishing here now if you hit the right hole at the right time it is great but hit a hole at the wrong time and you will be in for a disappointment.

As we wait for the fish to really start moving the best that I can tell you is that you will have some good fishing if you are one of the luck few that hit a hole with some fishing laying in it if not you will have to fish hard to get on of those crazy steelheads on your line. Until next time good luck and good fishing.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

One of the most important things a steelhead angler needs to learn is the run timing of the rivers they fish. Some good ways to do this is watching for concentrations of other anglers, contacting local hatcheries for return information, reading fishing articles, and check several Websites for updated information on Steelhead returns. Also, successful steelhead angling depends primarily on river levels or flow rates, and water clarity water temperature does play a part also however I do not believe this is as important as water color. You can find this information on the USGS website for almost all rivers and this information is kept current as to flows and anticipated flows.If you head out after a heavy rain, with a few exceptions you will be wasting your time. Clear water is good, green or slightly colored water is even better, so call someone if you can and find out how the rivers and fishing are; most of your locale tackle shops will be able to provide you some information.

Over the years I have learned that line size, hook size and weight affect the drift angle and your presentation of the bait which plays a big role in increasing the percentage of strikes. You could write a book about each one of these items but if you remember to decrease the size of each of the above mentioned items you will be on the right tract. I have learned that when drift fishing from a boat, different styles of boats react differently in the current, this has a direct affect on the way the angler is able to drift the bait along the bottom.

Small spinners, drifted yarn flies, and float-fished roe bags, or shrimp are deadly on most steelhead rivers, so are black or brown nymph imitations. Sometimes under the right conditions (I wish I could tell you what these conditions are but I never know when they prefer these) steelhead will go crazy for medium-sized spoons and/or spinners. You cast them quartering upstream, let them sink almost to the bottom, and start a slow retrieve when the current starts to swings it towards the bank.

During the later steelhead season fly fishers that are skilled at nymph fishing can do very well in many of the runs. You can fly fish with less knowledge about bugs as it is more about presentation with the steelhead the which fly you should be using. You should be ready for cold water fishing as the water temps can be in the mid 30 degree range but for those who enjoy this type of fishing it can be extremely satisfying. Try swinging streamers made of rabbit or marabou if a steelhead is out there they should produce a strike and for what ever reason they seem to hit this type of fly pretty hard.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

Ok get your rods and head out the Steelhead are on the move! My good friend and fishing partner for the last forty years gave me a great report yesterday. He fished from Rapid River up to Boulder Creek yesterday and said he had a great time. Landed 8 fish and lost at least that many.

He said the steelheads were still hitting very soft and it took him awhile to figure this out I had the same problem on Monday. Steelheads are notorious for hitting your lure and giving you the slightest indication that they have taken it. Right now for what ever reason this is even more so it should change soon as the become more aggressive the closer the get to spawning but if you feel something not quite right now and for the next couple of days I suggest that you set the hook.The report that he gave was there seemed to be more fish on the lower stretch of the river but he was able to hook fish up and down from Rapid River to Boulder Creek. The river was still way below its normal flows for this time of year but he too noticed the river rising through out the day.

With the weather report for the week say that temperatures will be rising so will the river and thing should really start picking up. Get your gear and get on the River this week end if you have a chance as I believe that this week end is going to be some of the best steelhead fishing we have seen all season.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

Weekly Steelhead Fishing Report

Well according to the state wide fishing report I’m not the only one who was having trouble hooking into a steelhead over the weekend. The numbers were down state wide and I really did not expect anything different with the weather being the way it has been. When I left New Meadows Saturday morning it was -10 degrees and I fought ice in my guides for most of the morning.

I did go back down yesterday (Monday 3/31/2008) and was able to hook four fish on the Little Salmon I was fishing the lower end though near Rapid River. The fish were hitting so light that it was almost impossible to feel the strike. Once I realized what was going on I stated to hook into some fish. I’m still wondering just how many hits I missed yesterday but then that is pretty common as you all know the these fish will some times take your lure with out you ever knowing and then there are time when they nearly rip the pole from your hands.

I will not be making another trip for a few days as when I was fishing yesterday I slipped on a rock and I can hardly move this morning hope this heals up fast because I think that this week is the one we have been waiting for.

I have a good fishing partner who will be on the River today and he will be checking in so I’ll let you know how he does I’m thinking that he will hook into quite a few fish as the river was rising yesterday. I’ll try to keep you updated.

By: RR Smith

Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

 Steelhead fly fishing is like playing the lottery: the more casts you make in the rivers, the better chances you have of hitting the right combinations. Steelhead fly fishing is a true sportsman’s game it will encompass the full range of emotions from joy and excitement to confusion and despair. Steelhead fly fishing is only for those fishermen that are totally committed to this sport; if you are looking to catch a steelhead on a regular basis fly fishing may not be the sport for you. On the other hand if you are looking for a sport that will challenge your very being and give you the thrill of a life time when everything comes together then fly fishing for Steelhead maybe your winning ticket.

Very few of us will actually catch steelhead with flies on a semi-regular basis, when fly fishing for these great fish there is no such thing as a regular basis. When fly fishing for steelhead you need to know about the species you’re after, where they’re found, when they’re in the rivers, what techniques will work, how to read the river, which flies to use, casting techniques, and then if everything flows into place you may land a fish or two and yes I did say may.

Fly fishing with nymphs is probably the most productive technique used on these often temperamental fish. Flies that have proven effective for me are the Egg Sucking Leech (purple/orange) and (orange/black) the Silver Tear is another that has worked well along with the green butt skunk patterns. Fly fishermen consider winter steelhead fly fishing to be hardcore fly fishing and involves enduring hours of casting in cold and freezing waters, hoping for that little tug that lets you know a steelhead has finally picked up your fly. Early fall and late spring are my favorite times to fly fish for steelhead the fish are active the weather is bearable as long as the river conditions are not out of wack from heavy rains and run off.

Steelhead are mystical creatures; irreplaceable fishes, and are a true sportsmen’s fish. Fly fishing for steelhead is one technique that I’ve yet to solve. It is however one that has given me years of enjoyment, excitement, and anticipation of the years head think of what I might be able to try on these truly magnificent fish.  

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

I just thought I would put in a quick update on the steelhead fishing at Riggins Idaho and the little Salmon River to the south.

While the river has not come up to its normal spring time flows it has come up over the last week and the steelhead are stating to move on up the river. Saturday March 22 2008 I Stopped and fished a couple of holes on my way to Riggins From New Meadows I did Hook and land two steelhead in the Bolder Creek area but fishing was still fairly slow there.

When I went on down to just above Rapid River I did do quite well and hooked another five fish in a little over two hours. With the low water condition it is still a little tough  fishing but the fish are there. They were very easy to spook as I notice several fish swim by and they were definitely  spooked either by my presentation or the fact they were able to see me moving around.

The deeper holes were still better for this reason although I did get one that was lying behind a rock in the tail of a hole. This does tell me that they are moving since they seldom stay in these types of spots when they are in a holding pattern.

So get your steelhead rod and head out fishing is only going to get better for the next couple of weeks.

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com

Steelhead trout belong to the family Salmonidae which includes all salmon, trout, and the char. Steelhead are the anadromous form of rainbow trout which migrate to the oceans during their adult life, they then return to the same steam and rivers where they migrated from as juveniles. They are a salmonid species native to western North America and the Pacific Coast of Asia.

The term anadromous refers to fish species born in the stream that migrate to the ocean for their adult phase. Steelheads have a life cycle similar to the Pacific salmon and require the same ecological requirements. They are born in fresh water streams, where they can spend their first 1-3 years of life depending on migration conditions. They will then migrate to the ocean where their real growth occurs. They will spend from one to four years in the ocean. The steelhead then will return to the same fresh water stream to spawn. Unlike Pacific salmon, some steelhead do not necessarily die after spawning and are able to spawn more than once These steelhead are normally located along the coastal streams, longer migration such as here in Idaho takes it toll on these great fish as they do not feed once the return to the fresh water streams.

Here in Idaho, most steelhead spawn from March through June in small streams and tributaries where cool, well oxygenated water is available year round, have this cool clean water is key to their spawning success. The female selects a site with gravel beds that have an abundance of rocks in the 1/2″ to 6″ in size where there is good flow of the current through the gravel. She will then digs a nest using her tail, these nest are called redds, a male will come up along side of her and coax her into depositing her eggs, which the male will then fertilizes. These eggs are then covered by gravels and small stones when the female makes another redd just upstream.

The length of time it takes for eggs to hatch depends on water temperature. In hatcheries with carefully controlled conditions, steelhead eggs hatch after 30 days at a temperature of 51° F. “The optimal temperature for egg incubation is between 44 and 50° F (7-10° C).” Eggs will hatch sooner in warmer water, however the young fish are normally smaller and they have lower survival rates. If the water temperature gets too high, eggs will not hatch at all. After these eggs hatch, the developing steelhead will remain in the gravel for another four to six weeks. During this time, they are called alevins and they obtain their nutrients from a yolk sack attached to their body. Once they have used all the nutrients from their yolk sack they emerge from the gravel, they are now called fry, and are capable of finding and catching their own food.

The fry will move to shallow, protected areas of the stream, rock downed trees and the under cuts in the stream banks now play an important role. The fry and as they develop, the smolt as they are now called will establish feeding areas which they defend. They will remain in these steams and tributaries until they are ready to start their migration to the Ocean; there they spend the next 1 to 4 years of their lives grow and maturing until they are ready to start their migration back to the same streams which they were raised in and the process will start over again.

Thankfully for steelhead anglers many states have a very aggressive stacking plan in place to keep these magnificent fish returning. The loss of spawning habitat and dams impeding their migration routes have taken its toll on the natural runs, but with the stocking of streams and assistance in their migration we still have the opportunity to fish for these fish in some of our rivers and steams. I just want to give a big thank you to all agencies involved in keeping these might fish available to us.

Thank you all!!

By: RR Smith
Looking to save on your next purchase of Steelhead Gear Please visit my Store at Steelhead Gear.Com I’m sure you will find some of the best prices available anywhere on the internet. http://www.steelhead-gear.com