2 weeks ago · Updated 2 weeks ago
Steelhead, USA is seeing the early stages of the fall steelhead run, with fish beginning to show up in key river systems and anglers reporting the first solid catches of the season. As water temperatures cool, expectations are rising for increased action in the coming weeks across the region’s renowned steelhead waters.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Steelhead
Early fall has brought steelhead into several major river systems, with notable activity in the Upper Salmon River and Lower Deschutes River. Anglers are encountering fish in the 22–26 inch range, with both one-ocean and two-ocean fish present. The Rocky River near Cleveland has also produced a modest but promising number of early-season steelhead, signaling the start of the run in the Great Lakes tributaries.
- On the Upper Salmon River, an estimated 14,511 adipose-clipped steelhead have crossed Bonneville Dam as of September 24, with the run tracking as the third largest since 2018. Most fish are in the 22–26 inch class, with about 34% being larger two-ocean fish.
- The Lower Deschutes River is producing strong catches from the Columbia River up to Mecca, with anglers reporting a “strong bite” and successful outings on both nymphs and swung flies. The action is expected to remain good through October and November.
- In the Cleveland area, early reports confirm steelhead are being caught in the Rocky River and other Lake Erie tributaries, with numbers expected to increase as water temperatures continue to drop.
Weather & Marine Conditions
Recent cooling weather has triggered the initial steelhead migration into rivers, especially in the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes regions. River flows remain stable, and water temperatures are dropping into the optimal range for steelhead movement and angling success. Anglers are advised to monitor local river gauges for real-time conditions, as periodic rain events can quickly change water clarity and flow, impacting fish behavior and accessibility.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
With the fall run underway, presentation and bait selection are critical for success. In rivers, effective baits include salmon eggs, trout worms, beads, and shrimp, with guides reporting that eggs and worms account for the majority of hookups. For lures, spinners, spoons, and crankbaits are highly effective, especially in deeper runs and pools. On the Lower Deschutes, nymphing and swinging flies on floating lines are producing consistent results, with patterns such as caddis pupa, 2 Bit Hookers, and small streamers imitating crayfish or sculpin proving successful.
- Rotate through high-percentage baits like eggs and worms before experimenting with less conventional options.
- Adjust bait color and size based on water clarity—brighter colors for stained water, natural tones for clear conditions.
- For fly anglers, focus on early mornings and late afternoons, targeting riffles and eddies where steelhead are likely to hold.
Regulations & Notices
Anglers targeting steelhead in the Upper Salmon River and other Idaho waters should note that some release groups were not PIT-tagged due to disease concerns, which may affect run size estimates. Always check the latest local regulations regarding hook types, bait restrictions, and harvest limits before fishing, as rules can vary by river and season. In some areas, single barbless hooks and catch-and-release practices are required to protect wild stocks and ensure sustainable fisheries.
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