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Steelhead are Going in the Boise River by Staff Idaho Statesman, November 6, 2008

You know steelhead season is here when the big, silver Fish and Game truck backs up toward the Boise River at Glenwood Bridge.

It marks the beginning of the diesel migration from Hells Canyon to the Boise River, and the fish are met with a chorus line of eager anglers who ditch work or school to come out for a chance to catch one of the big, sea-run fish.

Crews expect to start stocking early Thursday afternoon at Glenwood and work their way up to Barber Dam. They will bring about 300 steelhead today, then bring two more truckloads the next two Thursdays There might even be a fourth batch going in this year if enough fish return to the trap at Hells Canyon.

It's a popular fishery, and everybody from bottom-dragging bait dunkers to breathable-wadered feather tossers joins the fun.

It's not a good chance for solitude. Expect combat fishing, especially near the drop points, but you can escape the mayhem if you do a little hiking along the Greenbelt.

Bring your favorite steelhead tackle. If you're new to the game, check local tackle shops, and they will get you dialed in. It's not hard to catch a steelhead, but it does require a lot of persistence. The fish don't have to eat, so they can be moody and sullen, but people will be catching them in the river until spring. Don't forget to buy a permit if you plan to keep a steelhead.