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    • Steelhead Mania Fun Facts

      Fun facts about steelhead fishing in Northern Idaho

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    Steelhead Mania Fun Facts

    Experience the giant steelhead salmon of Northern Idaho

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    Why do A-run steelhead fish enter the Clearwater River system?

    A-run steelhead fish find refuge by removing themselves from the warm summer waters of the Snake River system. They find conditions more pleasant in the Clearwater section up to 10 miles above the confluence of the Snake with the cooler water and oxygen levels behind riffles. As the Snake begins to cool they return to their traditional spawning areas on Idaho’s Salmon River and Oregon’s Wallowa River Systems.

    Fifteen to 20 percent of all Idaho steelhead are wild fish.

    According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game 90% of all anglers surveyed would prefer to keep their catch and enjoy the fine table fare these fish provide.

    The throat of a Steelhead trout begins to swells shut as it enters fresh water. It survives from the fat reserve acquired by gorging itself while out to sea. Even though they can be tricked, irritated or tempted to take a presentation in fresh water they tend to only mouth the bait or fly. After spawning they will attempt to return to feed in salt water. However, after crossing nine dams, using their fat reserve to replenish the system with smelt, their attempt to return is more of a death penalty than a reality.

    Idaho’s fishery program has been a phenomenal success by providing 2.15 million smolt steelhead from the 20,000 hatchery fish, including the wild populations that are still able to reproduce in Idaho’s tributaries. The hatcheries on the Clearwater River system are also restoring the Chinook Salmon and Coho populations and should be commended for their efforts.

    The upper Clearwater River portion from Orofino to Kamiah provides a warm clear water situation that the small mouth bass have learned to love. Steelhead Mania’s Riverside Guide Service has a blast taking clients on this little-known fishery. If you like to fish for 'smallies', we will put you on the fish.

    Thank you Russ! What a great trip. Russ worked hard and is an awesome fishing guide - he did a great job putting us on the fish. I'm really looking forward to coming back agin soon. Rob, Coeur d'Alene, ID
    We had a great time! Russ you really know the river well, and taught us a lot about Steelhead fishing. We enjoyed the hospitality, and landing that 17 lb. Steelhead was definitely the highlight of our day. We're definitely coming back again.Kellen & Jessica W., Boise, ID

    Riverside Guide Service

    Start your next fishing trip with training classes, tips, tricks and more...

    FISHING LESSONS

    FISHING LESSONS

    Northern Idaho Fishing School is brought to you by Riverside Guide Service. One by one we are creating anglers that understand the method of tracking and catching fish.

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    RIVERSIDE PRO SHOP

    RIVERSIDE PRO SHOP

    When you purchase gear from us, you will be buying the same gear used by our professional guides on the Clearwater River. We only sell what works, not gimmicks.

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    STEELHEAD FUN FACTS

    STEELHEAD FUN FACTS

    Why exactly do giant steelhead enter the Clearwater River System? Learn all sorts of useful and important information about steelhead fishing in Northern Idaho.

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    Contact Us

    Reservations or Questions, contact us here

    We would love to have you as our guest. Our guided trips fill up fast, so you’ll want to book your trip early and prepare yourself for a great fishing experience. Call for more details.

    Riverside Guide Service & Tackle Shop
    Address: 11360 U.S. Highway 12, Orofino, ID 83544
    Phone: (208) 553-6002


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    • Phone: (208) 553-6002
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    • 11360 U.S. Highway 12
      Orofino, ID 83544

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