Clearwater River Idaho
The Clearwater River in North Central Idaho, is home to the largest strain of steelhead in the Lower 48 and the best winter fishery in the United States to fish for consistently large B-Run steelhead.
Dates & Trip Overview
The winter season runs from January 15 – February 28. The guides from our partners Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate & Anglers Edge fish from drift boats on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater, concentrating from Kooskia to Orofino, Idaho. Trips go out between 7am and 9am depending on fishing conditions and weather. Customers are on the water for 8 hours each day which is the perfect amount of time for a great days fishing on the Clearwater.
Our preferred guides from our partnering outfitters specialize in Fly Fishing but our guests may also choose to use Conventional Tackle. Fly fishing is done primarily with an indicator but the guides take every opportunity they have to swing flies. All fishing gear is included in your trip price as well as a streamside lunch. Our preferred guides are very service oriented so you will always have a very professional, knowledgeable and fun guide taking the upmost care of you and your party.
About Clearwater River Steelhead
Idaho B-Run Steelhead are truly amazing, traveling roughly 650 miles from the ocean to the section of river we fish and beyond to spawn. This run of fish is the oldest run of steelhead in the US. In addition, the Clearwater River boasts the largest hatchery program in the US which substantially adds to the quality of fishing.
Idaho Fish and Game typically sets a bag limit for hatchery fish but it is dependent upon fish counts. If anglers are interested in keeping a fish or two there is a local company that will smoke your fish and ship it to you for you to enjoy at home with friends and family.
This trip is not only about fishing though, the scenery, culture and wildlife Idaho has to offer is just as spectacular and keeps anglers going back year after year. As an added bonus, the Clearwater Valley is only 1,000 feet above sea level, with average highs in the 40’s, making this balmy winter steelheading weather to say the least. Overall, this trip is a gem and one we will continue to offer to our customers with our partners Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate & Anglers Edge for many years to come!
Travel Details
Guests will need to travel to Kamiah, Idaho our home base for the Clearwater steelhead trips. Traveling to and from Kamiah from your desired airport is very convenient. Airport transportation is available for all of our guests from the Lewiston-Nez Perce Regional Airport. Please contact us for pricing for airport transportation for your group. You have three different options in addition to driving from your hometown if you prefer to handle your own transportation to Kamiah:
- Option #1: The closest airport is the Lewiston-Nez Perce Regional Airport. This airport is only a 1 hour drive to Kamiah and has daily flights making roundtrip travel easy and painless. *Airport transportation available, no rental car needed.
- Option #2: The Spokane International Airport is the closest major airport and is the most cost efficient. Customers that use this airport will have a three hour drive to and from Kamiah.
- Option #3: Guests have recently started using the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. Sometimes pricing is comparable to Spokane International Airport so its worth checking this airport as well. Drive time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
After your arrival at your preferred airport you will pick up your rental car and drive the last leg of your trip to our Kamiah unless you opted for airport transportation from the Lewiston Airport.
Lodging
New for the 2022 season! Our Idaho Steelhead program just got even better! We now offer an all inclusive package staying at Elk Springs, our new 4 star facility, with all of your meals prepared by Chef Felix. Check in will be @ 3pm the night before your first day of fishing. Each day will start with a light or hearty breakfast depending on your appetite. The guides will pick you up shortly after and head to the river for the day. Soup, Sandwich & Snacks will accompany each trip on the river. After your day of fishing come back to Elk Springs to relax, talk about the day of fishing and sit down to a world class meal to round out another great day in Idaho. We ask that all of our guests book a 4 night, 4 day all inclusive package. After your 4th day fishing with Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate or Anglers Edge we can arrange for airport transportation if you choose to fly out that night or if you’d prefer to stay in Lewiston or Kamiah, Idaho for your last night.
We have a few options that we suggest for lodging for your last and 5th night in Idaho but please feel free to arrange for different lodging options. Here are our suggestions:
- Clearwater 12 Motel – This a newly remodeled Motel that is centrally located in Kamiah and includes a continental breakfast.
- Hearthstone Lodge – This Bed and Breakfast is a quaint little establishment that offers a very nice breakfast at their restaurant offsite in the town of Kamiah.
- Hell’s Canyon Grand Hotel -Lewiston
- Holiday Inn Express -Lewiston
- Hampton Inn -Lewiston
Rates & Details
Float Trip Pricing Per Day
$745 Per Person, Per Day (Based on Double Occupancy)
$1,045 Per Person, Per Day (Single Occupancy)
What’s Included:
Lodging at Elk Springs, All meals prepared by Chef Felix, full day of guided steelhead fishing performed by Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate OR Anglers Edge, all fly fishing equipment and tackle, and transportation to and from the river.
What’s NOT Included:
Fishing license, waders and boots, guide gratuity, airfare, airport transportation (Available to & from Lewiston Airport for a fee) and alcoholic beverages.
Cancellation Policy:
A 50% deposit is required at time of booking with the remainder due 60 days prior to your arrival date of your trip. Deposit is refundable up to 61 days before the arrival date of your trip. Final 50% payment is due 60 days before your arrival date. Deposit and final payment are nonrefundable 60 days or less before your arrival date.
**All Guided Trips Are Offered And Performed By Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate OR Anglers Edge**