Clearwater River
Fly fishing the Clearwater River in Idaho, a premier steelhead river near Lewiston, Orofino and Kamiah, with smallmouth and cutthroat too.
- 108 miRiver length
- 7Game fish
- 57Access points
In the FlyFishFinder appAbout the Clearwater
The Clearwater River is known across the Northwest as a top steelhead river. Fish average around 14 pounds, and some top 20. Highway 12 follows much of the river through Lewiston, Orofino, Kamiah and Kooskia.
The river also holds westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, Chinook salmon and coho salmon. Smallmouth bass and common carp use slower sections and sloughs. Spalding Park near Lewiston and Kamiah Riverfront Park are good places to start.
Steelhead anglers fish from shore and from boats. The river is big, so strong rods and long casts matter. Saint Joe River and Palouse River are nearby.
Spring brings fresh fish and fall runs bring more. Walt's Worms are a popular fly. Hatches are minor compared to the steelhead program, but caddis, midges and blue-winged olives show up.
Seasons and limits change every year. Check the current Idaho regulations for steelhead and salmon.
Clearwater River near Peck, ID
Is the Clearwater fishing today?
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Nearby gages
- Big Canyon Creek near Peck, ID3.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 13341140
- Asotin Creek at Asotin, WA30.0 mi away Not reporting USGS 13335050
- Clear Creek at Kooskia National Fish Hatchery30.3 mi away Not reporting USGS 13337099
- Snake River near Anatone, WA33.9 mi away Not reporting USGS 13334300
- SNAKE RIVER AT McDUFF RAPIDS AT CHINA GARDEN, ID36.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 13317660
- Palouse River near Potlatch, ID42.5 mi away Not reporting USGS 13345000
- Salmon River at White Bird, ID46.1 mi away Not reporting USGS 13317000
- North Fork Clearwater River near Canyon Ranger Station, ID48.7 mi away Not reporting USGS 13340600
No gages that close. Try a wider radius.
See every gage on the map and today's top 10 rivers in the free appData from the U.S. Geological Survey. Recent readings are provisional and may be revised.
Fish you'll catch
Tap a fish to see every Idaho river that holds it.
Bull Trout
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Common Carp
1 other species
Hatching in November
What's on the water in the Clearwater watershed this month, and the fly to match.
All 10 hatches this year
Light bars show the season and dark bars the peak. The ringed month is this month.
Tips for fishing the Clearwater
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Start at the parks
Spalding Park near Lewiston and Kamiah Riverfront Park are easy places to begin.
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Use a longer rod
The river is big. A two handed rod helps cover water.
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Fish smallmouth in slow water
Look for sloughs and calm bends in summer.
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Release wild fish
Wild steelhead and bull trout must be released in most places.
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Dress for cold
Winter and early spring fish in cold air. Layer up.
Every access point on the Clearwater, in your pocket.
- 57 mapped access points, with parking and put-ins
- Today's Fishability score, so you fish the day that lines up
- 7-day flow and water-temp trends for every gauge on the river
Rivers near the Clearwater
Clearwater River FAQ
What is the best time to fly fish the Clearwater River in Idaho?
Spring is a prime window for steelhead. Fall also draws many anglers.
Where can I fly fish the Clearwater River?
Near Lewiston, Orofino, Kamiah and Kooskia. The app map shows mapped access points along the river.
Can you wade the Clearwater River?
In places. It is a big river, so many anglers fish from boats.
What flies work on the Clearwater River?
Walt's Worm is a favorite, and standard steelhead patterns do the work. The FlyFishFinder app shows what is working on the Clearwater today.
What fish are in the Clearwater River?
Westslope cutthroat trout, steelhead, bull trout, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, smallmouth bass and common carp.
Are there special rules on the Clearwater River?
Yes. Steelhead and salmon seasons change and bull trout are protected. Check the current Idaho regulations before you go.
