Idaho's Clearwater River - Fly Fishing the Middle Fork

Overview

Flowing through the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area in North Central Idaho, the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is one of the original eight rivers protected by Congress through the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Fly fishing these crystal clear waters in the fall will have you chasing plenty of steelhead. The Clearwater is known for its large and aggressive fish.  Large stimulator patterns, streamers and nymphs are all effective flies for these large trout. In the middle of the hot season, you might choose to target the smallmouth bass that reside in these waters. The Clearwater is a wide, gentle river and perfect for a relaxing day of fishing. Single or multi-day fly fishing trips depart from the River Dance Lodge in Syringa, Idaho from late May through October.

 

• Trip Duration: 1-3 Days
• Trip Length: 12-20 miles
• Season: May-October
• Begins in: Syringa, Idaho
• Ends in: Syringa, Idaho
• Closest Airport: Lewiston, Idaho or Spokane, Wash.
• Highlights: Steelhead fishing, learning Spey casting technique, scenic river.
• Other Highlights: Wildlife, hiking trails, whitewater rafting.

Details

Formed by the confluence of the raging Lochsa and scenic Selway rivers, North Central Idaho's Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is a gentle single or multi-day Idaho fly fishing trip. There is remarkable steelhead fishing in the lower stretches of the river that one can take advantage of from October through March.

The Clearwater flows from the Montana border through Idaho until in joins with the Snake River in Lewiston, Idaho. Fly fishermen recognize the Clearwater for its incredible run of steelhead every fall. This is the river of the Spey cast, and if you've never tried this two-handed fly casting technique, this may be just the trip for you. Fly fishing on this river shows you an abundance of nicely sized fish. Our experience fly fishing guides and catch-and-release practices help you catch plenty of fish while respecting the steelhead and the incredible journey they make by traveling hundreds of miles up and down the Snake and Columbia rivers to complete their circle of life.

The impressive Middle Fork of the Clearwater River is surrounded by the 1.3 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area. Portions of this wilderness are temperate rainforest, and some of the plants found here are also found on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. A fly fishing day trip floats you through thick cedar, fir and larch forest, and the riverbanks are covered with emerald ferns, spongy mosses, huckleberries and mountain spray.

Single day and Multi-day fly fishing trips are available. Lodging/fishing packages are available on the Middle Fork of the Clearwater through River Dance Lodge, Idaho's adventure resort and meeting place for fly fishing trips on the Clearwater.

Be sure to ask about our fly fishing package options for Idaho, Montana and Oregon.