Steelhead are back in the Boise River! Here’s what to know if you plan to catch one

The local fishing community got an early holiday gift last week when the Idaho Department of Fish and Game released 150 steelhead in the Boise River between Barber Park and the Glenwood Bridge. This annual tradition gives anglers a chance to catch a big, anadromous rainbow trout without making an out-of-town road trip.

Steelhead in the Boise River can be caught on a variety of lures and baits, including spinners, jigs, streamers, crankbaits, worms, fish eggs and shrimp. If you venture out, expect to have company — dozens often gather at the stocking points on the days fish arrive. Please be courteous to your fellow anglers out there!

Special rules apply for steelhead fishing in the Boise River, and they differ from general steelhead regulations. Anglers may keep two steelhead per day (they are all hatchery fish with a clipped adipose fin), and barbless hooks are not required, but a steelhead permit is. Anglers targeting and/or harvesting steelhead must have a permit. If you don’t have a permit and happen to catch one, the fish must be released. Visit the Fish and Game website for more info on steelhead fishing.

Fish and Game does multiple November stockings some years, so keep an eye out for additional loads of fish! Tight lines!

Jordan Rodriguez has been fishing Idaho waters since he was a teen. Share your fish stories, adventures and questions with him at tightlinesboise@gmail.com, or visit www.tightlines208.com for the latest local fishing reports and upcoming class offerings.