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Clearwater Region

The heart of Idaho's steelhead and salmon country, featuring the legendary 'B-run' steelhead.

Top Waters in Clearwater Region

Clearwater River

River

A renowned 74.8-mile steelhead and salmon river famous for its large B-run steelhead - ocean-run rainbow trout that often reach 10-13 lbs. The state record steelhead (30.13 lbs) was caught here in 1973. Big Chinook salmon fresh from the ocean near Lewiston.

fall, winter, spring
intermediate

Lochsa River

River

69.2 miles of wild, free-flowing river with no dams. Legendary wilderness stream known for native Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Clear mountain water with cutthroat eager to smash bushy dry flies. Epitomizes Idaho's wilderness fishing experience.

summer, fall
intermediate

Selway River

River

100.1 miles of pristine wilderness river with outstanding cutthroat trout fishing. True backcountry setting - float access recommended. Abundant cutthroat in headwaters eager for dry flies.

summer
advanced

Deer Creek Reservoir

Reservoir

A beautiful 65-acre mountain reservoir built specifically for trout fishing, located 11 miles north of Pierce. Stocked with rainbow, brook, and unique Tiger Trout for variety. No-wake restriction keeps it peaceful. High catch rates from shore or boat.

spring, summer, fall
beginner

Dworshak Reservoir

Reservoir

A massive 16,484-acre reservoir with excellent Kokanee, Cutthroat Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, and Bull Trout (catch-and-release). Multiple boat ramps and campgrounds. One of Idaho's premier large reservoir fisheries with regular rainbow stocking.

spring, summer, fall
intermediate

Kelly Creek

River

A legendary 26-mile wild trout stream, tributary of the North Fork Clearwater River. Known for native Westslope Cutthroat Trout in a pristine wilderness setting. Catch-and-release only with barbless hooks required - no bait. One of Idaho's finest wild trout fisheries.

summer, fall
advanced

Kiwanis Park Pond

Lake

A convenient 4.4-acre community pond in Lewiston's Kiwanis Park along the Snake River. Walking distance to picnic shelters and playground. Stocked with rainbow trout from March through June and in October for high catch rates.

spring, fall
beginner

Lake Waha

Lake

A 94-acre lake with limited public access - most shoreline is privately owned. The IDFG access site provides a dock and boat ramp for boaters. Water levels can fluctuate greatly. Good for kokanee, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, and stocked rainbow trout.

spring, summer, fall
intermediate

Steelhead Mecca: Fishing the Clearwater Drainage

The Legendary B-Run Steelhead

The Clearwater River is synonymous with B-run steelhead—ocean-run rainbows that spend an extra year at sea to reach massive sizes, often exceeding 20 pounds. From October through March, the river becomes a destination for swing-anglers and drift boaters seeking the fish of a lifetime. The confluence at Lewiston is the starting point for fish heading deep into the Idaho wilderness.

Dworshak and the North Fork

Above the Clearwater sits Dworshak Reservoir, a massive impoundment known for holding the state record smallmouth bass and offering excellent kokanee fishing. Below the dam, the 'North Fork Clearwater' provides a unique fishery where stable water temperatures keep trout active year-round and provide a critical refuge for returning salmon and steelhead.

Native Wilderness Streams

Beyond the big water, the Clearwater region is home to the Lochsa and Selway rivers. These free-flowing, wild-and-scenic rivers are the stronghold of native westslope cutthroat trout. These rivers offer some of the most spectacular backcountry fly fishing in the Lower 48, with fish that have rarely seen a fly and surroundings that haven't changed in centuries.

Regional Highlights

  • Clearwater River
  • North Fork Clearwater
  • Dworshak Reservoir
  • B-Run Steelhead