Idaho fishing opportunities on rivers for Steelhead and Salmon are restricted to the Clearwater River and its tributaries, the Salmon River and the Snake River to Hells Canyon Dam.

The rivers that produce these ocean going fish species have been restricted to a very small portion of their historic area due to dam construction. Even with this situation, Idaho produces a huge portion of both Spring Chinook salmon and steelhead that enter the Columbia River each year.

The summer B-Run steelhead come almost exclusively from the Clearwater Region. This small river hosts the largest producing hatchery of Steelhead and Salmon in the northwest. Combine that with other regional hatcheries and a wild propagating population of both salmon and steelhead, The state of Idaho provides world class fishing.

The Clearwater River is known for its high portion of the late migrating B-run steelhead. The number of Clearwater fish is not as high as the Snake River steelhead runs but the overall size of the fish is much larger, 12 to 18 pound fish is considered normal. It is these large fish that draw many people choose this river for steelheading..

Idaho Fishing | Information for the Snake River System

The Clearwater River is famous for large B-Run Steelhead. Total fish numbers in the river are not as high as the Snake River steelhead but it is the average size of the fish that makes the Clearwater a destination spot for serious anglers. It is that potential trophy size fish that brings anglers back to this small scenic river.

The Snake River fish are substantially smaller in size (4 to 8 pound average), but what they lack in bulk they can make up for with shear numbers. the Snake has over 100 miles of river that can be fished - this can almost guarantee reduced competition for prime fishing areas. There are specific holes that do draw heavier usage at specific times during the season. Heller Bar, the mouth of the Salmon and the area below Hells Canyon Dam are the high producing areas. However, great fishing can also be had in many sweet spots that are less congested.

Salmon River is another heavily fished tributary that is a great producer. There has been some stocking of the larger strain of fish in the system but the vast majority will be the typical Snake River type of fish (4 to 8 pounds being normal).

The Clearwater River and the Snake are usually free from ice during the winter months whereas the Salmon country is considerably cooler and ice buildup happens regularly during cold snaps.

Prime time for steelhead fishing is September through March on the Clearwater River.

Salmon seasons are dependent on projected numbers entering into the Columbia. Idaho usually sets seasons and regulations in March for those years where sufficient numbers of Spring Chinook Salmon are expected.

Idaho fishing is without a doubt world class, and it's tremendous Steelhead fishery is unique and draws anglers from thru out the country.

Feel free to call or email Clearwater River Guides for information on our services and fishing on the Clearwater River in Idaho.