November 6, 2009 Steelhead Report for the Snake River System.
Steelhead. Steelhead. STEELHEAD! the Snake River is host to the largest run of steelhead in recent history.
Why? Who know or cares! The fishing has been phenomenal around Heller Bar, the mouth of the Salmon and if you are lucky anywhere in between.
Water temps are cooling and we should see a large number of fish starting to hold throughout the system.
5 fish limits make hitting this river a great option for any angler.
The Clearwater is expected to have an average year, but no one expects this river to have huge numbers of steelhead just big fish.
It is also one of the hardest rivers to produce due to the size of the river and the gin clear water. These fish are especially prone to sulk with any disturbance.
Anglers who are aware and skilled can do extremely well but this years steelhead bounty won't be seen here.
Soap Box - Statement
Heller Bar and the mouth of the Salmon River
has been producing large numbers of limits this year.
Some boats have been observed with everyone on board fishing when most have already limited out..."looking for one more fish" is the phrase that is often heard.
I'm not saying every boat that limits cheats but I certainly suspect more than a few fall into this category.
Come on folks, Washington and Idaho do not allow party fishing. If you have a limit of fish you quit fishing...and this law is for everyone from John Joe Public or any professional guide.
One last thing....Photos
How many pictures do you see with a boat load of people holding limits of bloody, dead fish over the side of the boat have "bent" laws?
One other thing about these meat pictures...in my opinion most are in poor taste and usually nave nothing to do with "WOW look at what we got on our fishing trip." They have been taken to display the skills of whoever was driving the boat........Photos are wonderful but one fish held up for display makes a treasure to remember a great outing...the body count photos deserve to be tossed into the trash or better yet never taken.
STURGEON care - reminders for all!
Spring is coming and it will be sport fishing Sturgeon that will be next for the inland Snake River anglers. I continue to see photos and videos of trophy sized sturgeon that have basically been removed from the waters support. These fish are drug up out of the water until their mouths, gills and most of their bodies are exposed. Pictures are taken, videos running and people patting themselves on their backs and the fish lay there unable to oxygenate themselves.
Listen up folks, these fish are not to be removed from the water for photo shoots and your photos and videos are quite frankly disgusting to anyone who loves and admires these fish....you are putting sturgeon in extreme danger by your behavior.
Note: Idaho has passed new legislation regarding utilizing a non licensed individual for a guided trip on Idaho waters. There is much stronger fines for the guide and the the anglers using an unlicensed guide will also be subject to fines. It is the buyers responsibility to utilize only Idaho licensed guides.
