F&G bringing more steelhead to Boise River

Another load of steelhead will be stocked in the Boise River on Wednesday, November 23, the second and likely last stocking for the year.

Approximately 250 steelhead were stocked November 10 and a number of anglers have reported tangling with the large fish.

Fish and Game will stock the fish at four locations including Glenwood Bridge, Americana Bridge, Broadway Avenue Bridge behind Boise State University, and West Parkcenter Bridge.

Anglers should note that no stocking will take place at Barber Park due to a stream-bed improvement project at that location.

For more information on this project, see https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/work-begins-boise-river-improvement.

Fish and Game estimates approximately 250 steelhead will be stocked. Based on limited returns of steelhead to Hells Canyon Dam this fall, this will likely be the last stocking for the year in the Boise River.

Besides a fishing license, anglers hoping to tangle with one of the hatchery steelhead need a $12.75 steelhead permit, good for 20 fish. Though required in other steelhead waters, barbless hooks are not required for Boise River steelhead angling.

All steelhead stocked in the Boise River will lack an adipose fin (the small fin normally found immediately behind the dorsal fin). Boise River anglers catching a rainbow trout longer than 20 inches that lacks an adipose fin must consider the fish a steelhead. Any steelhead caught by an angler not holding a steelhead permit must immediately be returned to the water. Steelhead limits on the Boise River are three fish per day, nine in possession, and 20 for the fall season.

Contact Fish and Game’s Nampa office at 465-8465 for more information regarding the Boise River steelhead release. For additional information including seasons and rules, catch rates, dam counts, and useful instructional videos, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish/steelhead.

Mike Demick is a conservation information supervisor employed by Idaho Fish and Game.