Guided Steelhead Fishing

Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River

An unforgettable adventure, on a quest to reel in ‘The Big One’! 

Fisherman and fisherwomen, young or old, expert to novice will enjoy catching this feisty fish. Prized as big fighters, when hooked they begin to jump almost immediately and landing one on a fly-rod is quite a thrill. 

Steelheads, are commonly known as rainbow trout, however the term steelhead is used to differentiate between those rainbows that stay in fresh water and those that go out to sea. Both rainbow and steelhead trout return to the place where they hatched in order to spawn but, unlike their Pacific salmon cousins, steelheads and rainbows can spawn numerous times, where salmon make their journey only once.

Color can be another significant difference between steelhead and rainbow trout.  Rainbows keep the colorful stripe down their sides, while steelhead lose their luminescent marking when going out to sea.  Living in saltwater also allows the steelhead to grow much larger than its counterpart, 20 – 40 inches in length and up to 42 pounds verses 12 – 36 inch norm for the fresh water rainbows.  Female steelheads are less colorful and have mouths that closely resemble a trout where males or bucks have a longer hook-like snout similar to a coho salmon.

Rawhide River Trips guides have years of experience to ensure the highest possible success rate using a wide variety of both traditional and modern methods. The hatchery steelhead returns have been very successful with a strong native run as well.

Guests will provide their own vehicle transportation & drive themselves just an hour and fifteen minutes from Triple Creek Ranch to meet their guide in North Fork, Idaho. Guides use dory-type drift boats equipped with heaters, and will instruct you with a variety of fishing methods, such as trolling plugs or bait and fly fishing, depending upon the preference and skill level of each guest. Your guides will also provide lunch for you to enjoy riverside.

Guided fishing costs $600 for 1-2 people per boat, and will be added to your cabin invoice. An Idaho fishing license is required, which Rawhide River Trips will happily purchase for you at the current state mandated rate at the time of your adventure. Availability is somewhat flexible with as little as a day’s notice, though we recommend you reserve trip(s) in advance to ensure a guide on your preferred day. Cancellation within 30 days is 30%; within 48 hours full price.

Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River is available Mid-October through November, and mid-February through March as weather permits.

*Please note that activities, times, and pricing are subject to change. Any advance activity bookings may be subject to those changes. 

Looking for more fish float adventures? Be sure to check out our Guided Fly-Fishing!