Idaho fishing opportunities 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 now produce these ocean going fish species have been restricted to a very small portion of its 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 majority of the summer B-run steelhead is 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, Idaho provides world class fishing.
The Clearwater River is known for a high portion of the late entering steelhead being the larger d-run fish. The Clearwaters numbers of returning 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 normal.) It is for this reason many people choose to fish this river.
The Clearwater River is known for a high portion of the late entering steelhead being the larger B-Run fish. Numbers 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 normal.) It is for this reason many people choose to fish the Clearwater 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 that can be brought to the boat during a day. There is also over 100 miles of river that can be fished, that can almost guarantee reduced competition for prime fishing areas. There are specific holes that do draw heavier usage at times during the season, such as around Heller Bar, the mouth of the Salmon and the area below Hells Canyon Dam.
Salmon River is another heavily fished tributary that has great fishing. There have been some stocking of the larger fish here but the vast majority will be the typical Snake River type of fish (4 to 8 pounds being normal size.).
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.
The prime time for steelhead fishing is October 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 fine Steelhead fishing 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.
Fishing North Central Idaho for Steelhead and Salmon
The steelhead below is typical of most of the Snake River Steelhead.
Average sized Clearwater River Fish. Many are much larger.
Copyright 2007 - Clearwater River fishing guides - Idaho Steelhead and Salmon
site design by S&J Enterprises
Contact Information:
Clarkston, WA
Phone# 1-509-751-0410
Snake River | Clearwater River Guides
Clearwater River Guides
Fishing Guides for Idaho's Clearwater River
