Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Clearwater Region
Kelly Creek is a famous catch-and-release westslope cutthroat stream in the Clearwater country, clear and remote.
Looking for the latest Kelly Creek 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 Kelly Creek.
Current flows
There is no live gauge on this stretch. Check nearby gauges on the Idaho fishing reports page.
Wind forecast
Kelly Creek fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The season is over for most anglers. Roads close with snow.
Plan on July through September.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Kelly Forks, bring: Stimulator #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-16, Chubby Chernobyl #10-12, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Egg #14-16, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Kelly Creek details
| Access | Kelly Forks and the Kelly Creek trail. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,700 to 4,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Pierce, Idaho |
| Best season | July through September |
| Fish | Westslope cutthroat and bull trout |
| Regulations | Catch-and-release, single barbless hooks. 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 | 9 ft leaders, 4X tippet |
| Camping | Kelly Forks campground |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Very remote. No cell service. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snowed in.
Spring
Runoff.
Summer
Dry flies.
Fall
Low water.
How to get there
From Pierce, take Forest Road 250 to Kelly Forks.