Idaho Fishing Reports ยท Clearwater Region
Above Dworshak Reservoir, the North Fork Clearwater is a big, clear wilderness river with westslope cutthroat that rise to dries in summer.
Looking for the latest North Fork 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 North Fork Clearwater River.
Current flows
Wind forecast
North Fork Clearwater River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The upper river is cold and the season is winding down.
Forest roads may be closed by snow. Check road conditions.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Above Dworshak, bring: Chubby Chernobyl #8-12, Stimulator #10-14, Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, Parachute Adams #14-16, 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.
North Fork Clearwater River details
| Access | Forest roads from Pierce and Superior, Montana, along the river near Kelly Forks. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 2,300 to 3,000 ft |
| Nearest town | Pierce, Idaho |
| Best season | July through September |
| Fish | Westslope cutthroat and bull trout |
| Regulations | Catch-and-release for cutthroat on much of the upper North Fork. 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 | Clearwater National Forest campgrounds |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Very remote. Bring a spare tire and fuel. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Snowed in.
Spring
Runoff.
Summer
Dry-fly cutthroat.
Fall
Low water.
How to get there
From Orofino, take State Highway 11 to Pierce and the forest roads east.