Some one has to have some good news about steelhead around the Shoup area. I plan on leaving friday night to make it up their saturday morning and I am taking a 9 year old boy with me for his first steelhead trip so I could use some help! I would like this to be a great trip for the kid and I just need some pointers as to where to go. I could either be a hero or a zero depending on this trip and I would really like it if this kid at least hooked a fish. If anyone has a suggestion on what type of a set up to us for him and specific places to try I would owe you one. I am trying to make this as kid friendly as possible I just really want to see him hook into something. I know that some of you guys that have been steelheading for a long time have some great advise for a 9 year old that is why i am turning to you all. Thanks for any help
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The weather forecast for Saturday calls for a high of 24 at Shoup with a low of 7. Those low temperatures are not kid friendly.
With the water temp last week of 35 degrees I think you would be better off heading for the Clearwater. Or if you want to travel less check out the ice at Henrys Lake.
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If you're set on taking him into the extreme cold and wet, go to Wally World and buy some 16 hour body warmer shake packs. The shake packs with the lesser hours aren't worth buying. They aren't very expensive. Put two in inside pockets underneath his coat. This will keep his core warm and it keeps the blood circulating to the extremities. A warm kid is pretty much a happy kid.
When I fish in extreme cold I use two more for hand warmers in my outside pockets as well.
Good luck out there.
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Things can change fast but last week was really slow in that area. I lost my patience after two days with no hits. A nine year old would have to be superman to enjoy that. I would wait for better reports. Just my opinion.
Windriver
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If your set on taking him out there I would suggest having a back up plan for keeping him entertained. I take my 9 and 6 year old regularly and they enjoy having a portable dvd player or video game in the car so if they get cold or tired of fishing they have something else to do. My kids usually enjoy looking in the rocks for old hooks and bobbers more than they like to fish. I usually end up hooking the fish and let them fight them. Not sure how good of a fisherman your 9 year old is but I would suggest finding a place where he can fish with a bobber and jig. Lot less hang ups and more fishing time for you!
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Boise is elbow to elbow, but it is warmer.
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There are some spots on the river through there up by ebanizer that are super slow and if steelhead are not producing there are good spots to catch northern pike minnows. Suckers chisselmouths and bulltrout. Fairly easy. Just an idea to keep in mind. Good luck and look forwrd to a report.
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