Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Clearwater Region
The Clearwater River from Orofino to Lewiston is famous for B-run steelhead, some of the biggest in the Columbia Basin.
Looking for the latest Clearwater River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Clearwater River (Orofino to Lewiston).
Current flows
Wind forecast
Clearwater River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall steelhead are spread from Lewiston up past Orofino. Check the steelhead season and rules on this reach.
Swing flies through the long runs early and late, or nymph the slower water.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Orofino to Lewiston, bring: Egg #8-12, Woolly Bugger #2-6, Pat', s Rubber Legs #4-8, Muddler Minnow #4-6, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Clearwater River details
| Access | US-12 follows the river, with boat ramps at Orofino, Ahsahka, Lenore and Lewiston. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 750 to 1,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Orofino, Idaho |
| Best season | Fall through spring for steelhead |
| Fish | Steelhead, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout |
| Regulations | Steelhead and salmon seasons open and close by river reach, and a steelhead permit is required. Check the Idaho Department of Fish and Game seasons and rules before you go. An Idaho fishing license is required for anglers 14 and older, plus a steelhead or salmon permit where those fish are targeted. |
| Leaders and tippet | Sink tips or indicator rigs, 0X to 2X |
| Camping | Hells Gate State Park and campgrounds along US-12 |
| Kids | Partly. Big river. |
| Good to know | Dworshak Dam releases change flows on the lower river. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Steelhead.
Spring
Spring steelhead.
Summer
Smallmouth and summer trout.
Fall
Steelhead arrive in October.
How to get there
From Lewiston, take US-12 east along the river to Orofino.