Clearwater River

The Clearwater River drains a vast wilderness in north-central Idaho, flowing west from the craggy peaks of the Bitterroot Range through some of the most rugged and beautiful canyon country in the Pacific Northwest. When it emerges at Lewiston to join the Snake River, it has traveled through Nez Perce tribal lands, carved spectacular basalt canyons, and carried with it a population of anadromous fish — summer steelhead and Chinook salmon — that represent one of the most significant wild salmon and steelhead runs in the lower 48 United States.

For the fly angler, the Clearwater is synonymous with steelhead. Summer-run steelhead begin entering the system as early as April and continue arriving through October, with peak numbers typically in September and October. These are wild B-run steelhead — genetically distinct, large, and powerful — averaging 8 to 15 pounds with fish to 20 pounds not uncommon. The experience of presenting a swung fly on a two-handed rod to a fresh, ocean-bright steelhead in the Clearwater's emerald-green water is among the finest experiences in American fly fishing.

The main Clearwater from Kooskia to Lewiston is the primary steelhead corridor, and the river is wide enough (100 to 300 yards in most sections) to reward traditional Spey casting. Wading in the slower tailouts and gravel bars is possible at summer low flows, but the main channel is powerful and respect for current is essential. Experienced guides running drift boats or sleds can position anglers in the finest runs and adapt strategy as conditions change through the day.

Beyond steelhead, the Clearwater and its forks provide exceptional dry fly fishing for rainbow trout and westslope cutthroat in summer months. The North Fork Clearwater above Dworshak Reservoir holds native cutthroat and small steelhead smolts. Kelly Creek, a remote tributary of the North Fork, is arguably Idaho's finest native westslope cutthroat fishery, with fish averaging 12 to 16 inches willing to destroy any well-tied stimulator.

The Clearwater corridor follows US Highway 12, making it one of the most scenic and accessible wilderness rivers in the United States. The highway parallels the river for over 70 miles, providing unlimited pullout access and convenient fishing. The Nez Perce National Historical Park at Spalding tells the story of the river's cultural significance to the Niimíipu people, whose homeland this river drains.