Clearwater River, Idaho
Lewis & Clark Country — Idaho's legendary B-run steelhead river
The Clearwater River of northern Idaho is one of the most significant wild steelhead rivers remaining in the Pacific Northwest — a massive drainage that receives both A-run and B-run wild steelhead, with the B-run fish (averaging 8–14 pounds) representing some of the largest wild steelhead still accessible to fly fishers in the lower 48 states. The Clearwater's steelhead are not just large — they are the descendants of an unbroken genetic line that has been returning to this river since the Pleistocene, fish of extraordinary evolutionary significance.
The lower Clearwater from Orofino to Lewiston is the primary steelhead water, with the most celebrated pools and runs concentrated in the canyon section between these two towns. The river here is a powerful, wide system — 200–400 feet across in most sections — requiring long casts, excellent line control, and a two-handed rod for efficient coverage of the classic steelhead holding water. The traditional approach is swinging wet flies through the large, slow-moving pools that the B-run fish prefer.
The upper Clearwater tributaries — the Lochsa, Selway, and Middle Fork of the Clearwater — hold resident westslope cutthroat and bull trout in pristine wilderness settings above Lowell. These tributaries provide a completely different fishing experience from the main river steelhead fishery: intimate mountain streams with wild native fish in extraordinary habitat.
The timing of Clearwater steelhead runs varies considerably with ocean conditions and snowpack — September through November is the traditional window for fresh B-run fish, but actual peak fishing can shift weeks in either direction. Monitoring Idaho Fish & Game run counts and local fly shop reports in real time is essential for maximizing your trip.
Orofino — Lower Canyon
Orofino is the hub for lower Clearwater fishing. Multiple public access sites above and below town. Classic pool-to-pool steelhead water with easy road access.
Ahsahka — Dworshak Dam Access
Below Dworshak Dam the North Fork confluence creates excellent holding water. Access via Ahsahka Road off US-12. Prime B-run holding water.
Lewiston — Confluence Area
Lower river near the Snake confluence. Good steelhead holding water with city access. Transition to lower river character below here.
B-Run Steelhead
The Clearwater's crown jewel. Wild B-run fish averaging 8–14 pounds with exceptional specimens over 20 pounds. September through November migration. Among the largest wild steelhead accessible in the lower 48.
A-Run Steelhead
Smaller than B-run (averaging 5–8 pounds) but earlier timing. August and September arrivals. Good sport on lighter steelhead gear.
Westslope Cutthroat
Resident cutthroat present in upper river and tributaries. Summer season provides good cutthroat fishing when steelhead season hasn't opened.
B-run fish are most efficiently covered with a 13–15 foot two-hand rod and Skagit or Scandinavian heads — bring the right gear or you'll struggle to cover water.
Fresh-run B-run fish are strongest in September and early October — later season fish can be sluggish after months in the river.
Monitor Idaho Fish & Game run count updates weekly during September–November — the counts tell you where the fish are in the migration.
The Clearwater's history as Lewis & Clark's pathway to the Pacific adds extraordinary context to every day on the river — they camped along this exact corridor in 1805.
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