For the biggest steelhead south of Smithers, November means Northwest Idaho.

It isn’t easy. That’s the first thing you need to know about steelheading–especially if you’re hoping to catching one of those 12- to 20-pounders that make their way annually up to Idaho’s Clearwater River. So feel free to look past the hype put out by some outfitters and understand that just one or two chances per day might be all you’ll get.

The big ones are called “B-runs” because they spend two years, instead of one year, in the ocean. The one-year “A-run” fish–generally four- to six-pounders–usually end up in the Snake and Salmon River systems, while the bigger B-Runs end up in the Clearwater.

The B-Runs are also a little later to show up, entering the rivers in late August or September instead of June or July like their smaller brethren. Which makes late October through November the prime time to go.

Plan on using 8 or 9-wt rods for these fish and a sinking or sink-tip line, because most of them are down pretty deep. And even though they can hit like a Hummer headed downstream, you might be surprised by how soft a steelhead take can sometimes be. But if you’re lucky enough to hook one, then soft time is over.