HOOD RIVER: steelhead, rainbow and cutthroat trout
Hood River flows spiked up quite a bit over this weekend. Prior to the high flows, a few anglers had been catching winter steelhead near the mouth.
For this steelhead run overall, there are very few hatchery winter steelhead that will be in the Hood River. The last year of hatchery winter steelhead releases was 2021. Wild steelhead must be released, so the Hood River is primarily a catch-and-release steelhead fishery at this point. But you can still get out on enjoy some winter steelheading on the Hood. The peak of the run will be late March/early April. Check flows before you go! Last updated 3/26/25.