Hey guys and gals,

I took a mini-trip to Orofino Idaho and visited the Clearwater River. That is an amazing river. It reminded me of the Yakima in many spots. I am not sure if anyone here has fished this river or stayed in Orofino but I wanted to give it a plug.

There is a new Best Western which opened up in Orofino which is located on the Clearwater River. This hotel and the entire town seems to cater to the fisherman. There are many fishing stores and guides in the area.

I wasn't fishing on this trip but I think I might head back once the numbers begin to improve.

Comments?

Glock,

I used to live in Moscow and fished the Clearwater quite a bit. I rarely had good luck, but as you say, it is an impressive river, and I always enjoyed the fishing. I think the best time is in Oct/Nov before it gets too cold. The one day I did have some luck (for steelhead) I rented a canoe and floated from the confluence of the Potlatch river for maybe five miles or so. We mostly used the canoe for access (as opposed to fishing from it), although my brother hooked a nice one that took us for a ride.

I know that the fishing around Dworshack and Orofino can be a little crowded during the peak of the season (steelhead). Most of the fly fisherman concentrate their efforts lower on the river where you get the nice open riffles instead of the narrower canyon sections, but you'll find nice water throughout.

I seem to recall an article in the last issue of Salmon Steelhead journal that highlighted the Clearwater.

Don't know if you were referring to springers, but I'm not sure if IDFW will open a season this year. If they do, I've only heard of folks having luck from boats. The other possibility for springers is the Lochsa (Salmon and Steelhead journal featured this river in the most recent issue). Absolutely beautiful river with tons of access. I've seen springers holding in riffles (the water is gin clear in July/August), but could never interest any of them.

Good luck if you go, maybe I'll see you on the river next fall!

The Clearwater is a GREAT place to fish. Go there in October!!!!

They are starting to get into the fish now on the Clearwater but it can be bumber boats over the popular holes around Dworshak Hatchery. I usually stay down river a little and still catch fish without the crowds. If you have a drift boat you can go up river where the jets can't go and catch fish too without a lot of pressure. I have fished most of the rivers on the coast and I enjoy the Clearwater more than any of them.