Idaho’s steelhead fishing season is in full swing by mid November. Cooler temperatures, stable flows, and fresh fish pushing into the Clearwater, Salmon, and Snake rivers make this one of the best months of the year to chase steelhead across the Gem State. These are big, ocean-bright fish traveling hundreds of miles inland, and November is when they’re most accessible to both bank and boat anglers.
Where Idaho Steelhead Are Holding in Mid November
Idaho’s best steelhead rivers are shaped by cold nights and moderate flows this time of year. According to Idaho Fish & Game, “November is historically one of the most consistent months to target steelhead because river temperatures stabilize and fish hold in predictable water.” (IDFG Weekly Steelhead Report)
Clearwater River
- Known for large B-run steelhead
- Best water from Lewiston to Orofino
- Focus on long, deep runs with 3 to 6 feet of walking-pace flow
- IDFG reports consistent catch rates through mid-November
Salmon River
- Colder, clearer, and more technical
- Look for boulder pockets and deeper wintering holes
- The Riggins stretch is a November hotspot
Snake River (Hells Canyon)
- Holds mix of wild and hatchery fish
- Productive seams below confluence zones
- Stable flows create reliable holding water
What Gear Works Best in November
Cold water slows steelhead, so November is all about keeping your presentation deep and steady.
Bank and Boat Essentials:
- Rods: 9’6” to 10’6” medium or medium-heavy
- Terminal gear:
- Beads (10–14 mm), soft beads, pegged
- Jigs under floats
- Yarnies for drift fishing
- Size 3–4 spinners in darker colors
- Fly setups:
- 7–8 wt rods
- Skagit heads
- Intruders in black, blue, purple, or pink
IDFG biologist Brett High noted in a fall briefing:
“When water temps drop into the low 40s, steelhead slide into softer seams. Slower presentations catch more fish than anything else.”
(Source: IDFG Fisheries Interview, Fall 2024)
River Conditions and Safety in November
Water is cold enough for hypothermia risks and flows can spike after storms.
Before fishing, check:
- USGS River Flows: https://waterdata.usgs.gov
- NOAA Weather: https://weather.gov
- IDFG Steelhead Updates: https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead
Safety tips:
- Use felt or studded boots
- Wear a wading belt
- Bring a dry bag with warm clothing
- Keep a thermos of hot water in your pack
Local Insight: Best Tactics for Mid-November Conditions
Early Morning
Fish swing flies or spoons through tailouts. Fish are more active before the sun hits the water.
Midday
Switch to beads and jigs fished slower and deeper. This is when Clearwater steelhead tend to hold longer in transitional water.
Afternoon
Hit structure with floats or drift rigs. Fish often move tighter to the bank as the sun lowers.
Real angler insight:
Lewiston guide Steve Pettit told IDFG during a November conditions update:
“If you think you’re fishing slow enough, slow down a little more. November steelhead respond best to patience.”
Where New Anglers Should Start
These access points are reliable in November:
- Lenore Hatchery Area (Clearwater River)
- Cherry Lane Bridge (Clearwater River)
- Hammer Creek (Salmon River)
- Hells Canyon Dam Launch (Snake River)
Each offers bank access with holding water close to shore.
What to Know Next
As November shifts to December, steelhead move into deeper wintering holes. Fish slower, fish deeper, and focus on consistent water. Winter can be even better for big fish, but safety matters more than ever.
If you want more accurate and up-to-date info, contact:
- Idaho Fish & Game Clearwater Regional Office
- Local guides in Lewiston, Riggins, and White Bird
- USFS Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forest for road and access updates
Why It Matters
Steelhead are among the most iconic fish in the Northwest. Their journey back to Idaho’s rivers pushes hundreds of miles from the ocean. Respect for river etiquette, ethical harvest, and habitat support ensures these runs continue for generations.
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