Clearwater River
Orofino to Confluence
Clearwater County, Idaho
Open live forecast →Target species: Steelhead and Chinook.
Stream gauge: 13340000. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Clearwater is running high at 14,200 cfs but clearing nicely with water temps hitting 57°F — prime territory for the first push of summer steelhead entering from the Snake. With stable weather and dropping flows expected, this is shaping up to be the week conditions finally dial in after spring runoff. Focus lower river zones where fresh chrome is staging, and don't overlook the North Fork above Lowell where resident trout are already keyed on emerging caddis and stones in the clearer tributaries.
- Flow: 14,200 cfs and dropping — still robust but fishable compared to peak runoff. Lower river access improving daily.
- Hatches: Golden stones and caddis emerging on North Fork tributaries. Summer steelhead beginning their upstream push.
- Water Temp: 57°F — perfect for steelhead activity and approaching the sweet spot for consistent dry fly action on residents.
- Best Window: Early morning for steelhead swinging, late afternoon caddis emergence on the North Fork above Lowell.
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Freestone
- Best months: Oct–Apr (steelhead); summer (resident trout)
The Clearwater River in north-central Idaho is one of the West's premier B-run steelhead destinations — fish averaging 12+ pounds with adults exceeding 20 pounds caught annually. The river runs through the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, with float and wade access along Highway 12. Fall fish from October through November and spring fish from March through April provide the two main runs. Resident cutthroat and rainbow trout fishing through summer fills the gap.
The Clearwater is famous for its 'B-run' steelhead — a unique strain that spends an extra year at sea before returning, growing to over 20 pounds and earning the river status as the trophy steelhead destination of the lower 48.
Recommended Flies — Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Mar
- Apr
- May
The Clearwater River in Idaho is one of the premier steelhead rivers in the Pacific Northwest. A-run and B-run steelhead arrive September–November from the Snake River. The Clearwater's famous drift boat sections and large pools produce excellent swinging opportunities. B-run fish can exceed 15 lbs.
Productive Patterns
- Purple Peril #4–8
- Green-Butt Skunk #4–8
- October Caddis Spey #4–8
- Bomber Dry #4–8
Technique
Floating the Clearwater's canyon sections is the classic approach. Swing traditional spey patterns through the famous pools from a raft or drift boat. The North Fork Clearwater above the dam was sacrificed to Dworshak — the main stem carries the legacy.
Seasonal Notes
A-run fish (smaller, 4–7 lbs) peak October. B-run fish (large, 8–15 lbs) arrive later in October–November. Spring fish run April–May. Nymphing and beadhead patterns in cold water or on days when fish won't take swung flies.
January Outlook
January on the Clearwater River in Idaho is winter. The river is cold and most steelhead fishing has concluded. The North Fork and upper sections may still hold late-season steelhead but the main river is very cold and difficult to fish.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Soft Hackle
- Egg Sucking Leech
Tips
January is the off-season for most Clearwater fishing. Winter steelhead are possible in the lower canyon sections but conditions are difficult. The main river requires a large spey rod and sink-tip in winter flows. Most anglers wait for fall.
Water Notes
4,000–15,000 cfs. Water 34-42°F. Winter conditions. Mostly off-season.
February Outlook
February winter conditions on the Clearwater. The lower river near Lewiston may hold late winter steelhead. The large river is challenging in cold temperatures.
Productive Patterns
- Soft Hackle
- Spey Fly
- Streamer
Tips
February steelhead in the lower Clearwater near Lewiston are possible for dedicated winter anglers. The river is large and cold — guide service recommended. Spey casting proficiency essential.
Water Notes
5,000–15,000 cfs. Water 36–44°F. Cold winter conditions. Lower canyon most accessible.
March Outlook
March on the Clearwater sees winter steelhead persisting in the lower sections near Lewiston. Spring conditions approach and flows begin to build with snowmelt from the Bitterroot Mountains.
Productive Patterns
- Spey Fly
- Soft Hackle
- Egg Sucking Leech
- Streamer
Tips
March winter steelhead fishing on the lower Clearwater is possible near Lewiston. The river is large — boat or raft access recommended. Spring building as the Bitterroot snowpack begins melting.
Water Notes
5,000–15,000 cfs. Water 38–48°F. Late winter/early spring. Snowmelt building.
April Outlook
April high water from Bitterroot and Selway mountain snowmelt makes the Clearwater difficult to fish. Resident trout and whitefish in the tributaries as the main river runs high.
Productive Patterns
- Streamer
- Large Soft Hackle
Tips
April on the Clearwater main river is typically high and off-color from snowmelt. The North Fork above Lowell can be good for resident trout on smaller patterns. Most steelhead anglers wait for September.
Water Notes
6,000–20,000 cfs. Water 44–52°F. High snowmelt flows. Not ideal for steelhead fishing.
May Outlook
May flows continue high from snowmelt. Resident rainbow trout are active in the tributaries. The main river begins dropping in late May. Summer steelhead may be in the lowest reaches.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD
- Soft Hackle
- Golden Stone
Tips
May is transitional on the Clearwater. The tributaries like the North Fork provide good resident trout fishing as flows moderate. The main river is still too high for wading but boat access opens up late in the month.
Water Notes
4,000–15,000 cfs dropping. Water 50–58°F. Snowmelt tapering. Resident trout in tributaries.
June Outlook
June brings the first fishable conditions to the Clearwater main river. Summer-run steelhead begin entering from the Snake River. Caddis and Golden Stone hatches on the North Fork.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Golden Stone
- PMD
- Summer Steelhead Fly
Tips
June is the opening of the Clearwater's main summer season. The river is dropping and clearing. First summer steelhead entering. The North Fork above Lowell is excellent for resident trout on dry flies.
Water Notes
2,000–8,000 cfs. Water 54–62°F. Conditions improving. Early summer steelhead in lower sections.
July Outlook
Summer steelhead season on the Clearwater. Swinging dry flies and wets for summer-run steelhead in the canyon sections. Excellent resident trout fishing on the North Fork.
Productive Patterns
- Summer Steelhead Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Soft Hackle
Tips
July Clearwater steelhead are exciting fish on dry lines. Fish the canyon sections between Orofino and Kooskia. The North Fork above Lowell is outstanding for resident rainbow trout in summer.
Water Notes
1,500–5,000 cfs. Water 58–66°F. Summer steelhead in main river. Resident trout in North Fork.
August Outlook
August summer steelhead on the Clearwater. The fish are available throughout the river. The canyon can be hot but the river provides relief. Swinging dry flies for summer steelhead is excellent.
Productive Patterns
- Skated Dry Fly
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Soft Hackle
Tips
August is excellent for summer steelhead on the Clearwater. Swing dry flies in the evening for aggressive responses. The canyon sections between Orofino and the North Fork confluence are the classic water. Guide service recommended for locating fish on this large river.
Water Notes
1,000–3,500 cfs. Water 60–68°F. Hot canyon — fish mornings and evenings. Summer steelhead present throughout.
September Outlook
The Clearwater River in Idaho is famous for its fall steelhead run. One of the largest B-run steelhead in the Pacific Northwest — fish averaging 12–16 pounds.
Productive Patterns
- Steelhead Spey Fly
- Intruder
- Soft Hackle Wet
- Large Streamer
Tips
The Clearwater's B-run steelhead are exceptional fish. Swinging large flies on a two-handed rod is the traditional approach. The North Fork is the finest reach for fly fishing.
Water Notes
Variable 3,000–10,000 cfs. Water 52–60°F. Large river requiring spey casting proficiency.
October Outlook
Peak B-run steelhead season on the Clearwater. Some of the largest steelhead in North America enter this river in October.
Productive Patterns
- Large Spey Fly
- Intruder
- Purple Soft Hackle
- Steelhead Muddler
Tips
The Clearwater in October is a world-class steelhead experience. The fish are enormous — 20+ pound fish are possible. A 10-weight rod and sink-tip line are recommended for the largest fish.
Water Notes
4,000–12,000 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Large Idaho river. Guide service strongly recommended.
November Outlook
November B-run steelhead season continues on the Clearwater. Fresh fish are still entering from the Snake River and the run can peak in early November. Outstanding big-fish opportunity.
Productive Patterns
- Large Spey Fly
- Intruder
- Egg Sucking Leech
- Purple Soft Hackle
Tips
November is the final month of peak B-run steelhead on the Clearwater. Fish are averaging 14–18 lbs with trophy fish exceeding 20 lbs. The North Fork above Lowell is prime. A 9-10 weight spey rod and guide service are strongly recommended.
Water Notes
4,000–12,000 cfs. Water 44–52°F. Late B-run steelhead season. Some of the year's best fishing.
December Outlook
December closes the fall steelhead season on the Clearwater. The last B-run fish of the year are possible in the lower river near Lewiston. Winter approaching from the Bitterroot Mountains.
Productive Patterns
- Spey Fly
- Intruder
- Large Soft Hackle
- Egg Sucking Leech
Tips
December is the final month of fishing on the Clearwater before winter takes hold. Late B-run fish are still possible near Lewiston. The canyon sections experience hard freezes — dress in layers. A last-chance trip for the season's final steelhead.
Water Notes
5,000–15,000 cfs. Water 38–46°F. Late season. Winter approaching. Last steelhead of the year possible.
Access & Approach
Orofino, Kamiah, and Kooskia, ID are the main bases. Idaho fishing license + steelhead permit required. Steelhead seasons highly regulated — check current IDFG rules.
Regulations & License
Fishing in Idaho requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Idaho fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Clearwater River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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