Mid-March through mid-April often is one of the best periods for steelhead fishing as hatchery fish move up the Imnaha River and Big Sheep Creek. Both bait drifted near the bottom and jigs fished under bobbers can be effective means of catching steelhead on the Imnaha River. After rain or periods of warm weather, flows may increase and fishing may be more difficult. Hatchery steelhead smolts have been recently released, and anglers may catch some of these fish as they migrate downstream through the river, especially if they are using bait.

Anglers are reminded that bull trout may be encountered in the fishery and must be released unharmed. Anglers that hike down the Imnaha River and fish for steelhead in the Snake River must use barbless hooks when fishing for steelhead in the Snake River. Additionally, anglers fishing for steelhead in the Snake River need to be aware that the daily limit for steelhead in the Snake River is two hatchery steelhead this spring.