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Clearwater River

Fishing in Lewiston
Activities
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Region
North Central

One of the top steelhead streams in the Northwest, this river is famous for its large “B-Run” steelhead that return to the spawning areas after two years in the ocean. The rapids on the Clearwater are gentle and straightforward, allowing boaters the time to soak in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness in north-central Idaho.

Resources
Outfitters and Guides Licensing Board, Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association

Things to Know

  • The Clearwater River in north-central Idaho is renowned for outstanding fishing for B-run steelhead and chinook salmon, and to a lesser extent, native cutthroat trout in the summer. In the fall, the steelhead season kicks in with catch-and-release fishing in September, and then catch-and-keep from October to the end of April. B-run steelhead in the Clearwater average 12-14 pounds, but many of them go higher, in the 20-pound range.
  • During May and September, when the weather is cooler, dress warmly or in layers. It is always cooler in the morning.
  • During the warmer months, June through mid-September, the typical attire is shorts, t-shirts and sports sandals.
  • Bring along water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
  • Be prepared to get wet and dress according to your comfort level.
  • Wear clothes that dry quickly and perhaps steer away from denim pants or shorts and leather footwear.
  • Life jackets are provided on outfitted trips.
Location

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