Hey, I want to do some steelhead fishing sometime...I was just needing some advice. First of all, where is the closest place to go from Southeastern Idaho (Rexburg)? Secondly, what kind of rod/reel should I use? Third, what kind of line should I use? And lastly, what kind of baits and such work? I am most likely wanting to use a regular spinning rod and not a fly rod. Any help would be great! Thanks!
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Closest area to you might be the upper Salmon from Salmon to Stanley when the season is ongoing. They use various drift baits and even larger spinners and diving plugs. I think the longer baitcasting rods with level wind reels are preferred but a medium spinner works very well. I use a 1960's vintage 8 1/2 foot Fenwick spinning rod with a Dam Quick 330 reel. Its spooled with 20lb. braided Spiderwire for both Salmon and Steelhead and will hold fish up to 30-35 pounds. Works really well with the fish up to 20lbs. There used to be a local Steelhead contest at a great Mexican restaurant on Challis' main drag around (2001?) I was eating dinner there one April afternoon when a local guy brought two big male steelies into be weighed and registered. They were caught within a few miles of Challis down toward Salmon. The good information is held pretty close to the cuff by locals; especially locations of the best holes and holding areas...
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