Trip brief · Clearwater River
How to go fish the Clearwater River
The months we list for the Clearwater River are April, May, September, October, November. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for October.
October
No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.
Flies to tie — October
Blue-winged Olive#18-22
Parachute BWO
Midge#20-24
Mercury Midge
Access
Kooskia Access
46.135, -115.981parking
Orofino
46.479, -116.235parking
Peck
46.487, -116.461parking
Spalding
46.453, -116.818parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Idaho fishing license required. Steelhead require Idaho steelhead permit and Chinook tag for salmon. Wild steelhead must be released on most sections — check IDFG regulations for current harvest opportunities, as they change annually based on run sizes. Chinook harvest open in season only — verify dates with IDFG. Special regulations apply near Dworshak Hatchery. Nez Perce Tribal fishing rights apply in certain areas. No fishing within posted weir boundaries.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Clearwater River page →