I have never gone Steelhead fishing and would like to try on my coming trip to Idaho . i planing a trip in early September , and would love to go Steelhead fishing in the Clearwater. i was wondering if there is anyone out there that can help.
where to go ? is it a good time? What kind of tackle should i take? bait? lures? anything else i should know?
I know it is a lot to ask, and any help will truly be appreciated
thanks,
ilana
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Stillwater? What exactly are you saying?
Are you referring to steelhead fishing in lakes? If so, you need to redirect your attention to the rivers. If you are referring to stillwater as one of the rivers you want to fish, I'm not familiar with it. Did you mean Clearwater?
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What hooknhunter said. There is no "Stillwater" steelhead fishing in Idaho (or elsewhere that I am aware of, for that matter).
Aside from that, steelhead fishing isn't quite in full swing in September, so your venues (as well as techniques) will be limited. I know they are getting some fish in the Lower Clearwater River right now, as well as the Snake/Clearwater confluence in/around Lewiston. But it is primarily a boat/hardware thing. I think there is some bobber/shrimp action to be had. And I understand night fishing can be productive this time of year. Your best bet might be to try and connect with a guide in this area - even though I despise them lol.
Fishing sometimes gets going in the Riggins area on the Salmon River later in September - but that's primarily a boat fishery as well, but I understand there are a few bank spots.
September IS kind of a transition month for steelhead, so a lot will depend on what part of September, the weather, and the run timing. Right now water temps have been a big issue, and are delaying the run a bit, as well as delaying the fish that have shown up.
I do quite a bit of steelhead fishing, and although I have limited experience on the late summer/early fall fishery, I do try to stay plugged in.
CL
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Given that you e never steelhead fished and its early season I'd recommend a guide. I've fished with the guys from reeltimefishing.com and they seem to know their stuff pretty well. I've just never fished it that early. Another consideration on the Clearwater is that is all catch and release until mid October. The snake though is allowed to keep though.
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for your response..... looks like the snake is the way to go.
any suggestions on where to go?
thanks again,
ilana
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I know a guy who caught over 200 steelhead last year before the first of October. The best steelheading of the year always goes on from the 1st to 15th of September around the confluence. They probably catch 10 to 20 thousand steelhead in the confluence area some years by the time the Clearwater goes to minimum flow the 16th of Sept. 90% of these fish are salmon and snake river fish who come into the cool water. Some of the funnest steelheading I have had is during that time period. You do not need a guide just any old boat will do. Some years my buddy catches over a 100 steelhead by the first of September. The catch and release fishing above Memorial bridge is pretty dang good as well. I have had ten fish B-run days in the catch and release section before the 15th of September in the last three years.
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thanks for the info. unfortunately, i do not have a boat. now i should look for a trade fishing in Missouri or a free sit on a boat. would you by any chance know any one i should call?
thanks again for your help,
ilana
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The method is a standard slip-bobber setup with a double egglooped size four owner or gamagatzu hook with the entire small to medium sized coon shrimp (brined) hooked in the crook of the tail through the top egg loop. The egg loops are about 2" apart and I use a tiny bit of flame yarn in the top egg loop. I prefer drifting above the train bridge and fishing 20ft. The drift is so slow you almost cannot tell you are moving and takes 15 minutes to go about 3-8ths a mile. These fish are hot and will not ever leave the bait tell it is gone. Unbelievable. In the confluence itself most anchor up and nearly all use the two pole permit. Can be over 100 boats in the two mile area but the people are the friendliest I have ever encountered. The really good fishermen catch three or four times as many as the anchor guys as they generally use a lanyard guided (handheld) controlled electric trolling moter and stay in the hot areas when the fish are on the bite and usually fish alone. Two poles will literally catch twice the fish and won't work as well with a lot of guys in the boat if you are drifting. It helps to have the feelers on the shrimp and they degrade easily. The loculs use some convoluted bobber setups which I don't think are necessary. Camp cabin and home there in Lewiston will help you out with decent but not the best shrimp and are very helpful.
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They actually do ok above the train bridge from the bank. I live 8hrs away and have not fished the confluence for a couple years as the salmon run on the Dechutes has hindered me. The fish are late this year and I am worried about a thermal block in the Columbia. I expect this years fishing to be the best after the 7th of Sept. I hate to waste money on a guide but that is always an option. These people are so nice most anyone going alone would take you. The confluence area is over or pretty slow when the flows drop the 15th of Sept.
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I plan on a confluence trip this year around labor day and will have a buddy. I am always willing to take a person fishing if we could hook-up. This fishing is weird for steelheading but crazy fun. Below memorial bridge and above the railroad bridge is more like fishing a lake. I could catch the heck out of them there in my float tube or pontoon boat. Just know everything in this small area on the lower clearwater is available to you this time of year elana and you are likely to have a great experience. perhaps a local will reach out.
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