Clearwater River

Boat Ramps: 23
Access Points: 48
Species: 12

The Clearwater River is a beautiful 75-mile-long freestone river located in north central Idaho that flows from the Bitterroot Mountains to eventually join the Snake River. Formed by the confluence of the Middle Fork and South Fork, this scenic waterway is renowned as one of the nation's premier steelhead fishing destinations. The river features clear waters and moderate flows that cut through impressive landscapes, making it both a fishing paradise and a scenic treasure. With Highway 12 following much of its length, the Clearwater offers excellent access for anglers pursuing various fish species throughout its system, which includes several significant tributaries like the North Fork, Middle Fork, South Fork, and the Lochsa and Selway Rivers.

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Clearwater River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

Northern Pikeminnow

Ptychocheilus oregonensis

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Steelhead

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Clearwater River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Clearwater River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Idaho licenses and regulations

Idaho Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Idaho Fishing License

"To fish in Idaho any person 14 years of age or older must have a valid fishing license. Anglers younger than 14 do not need a license, but there is a small difference between resident and nonresident youth. -A resident child under 14 has their own separate fishing limit. -A nonresident child under 14 must be with someone who has a valid fishing license and their fish are in included in the license holders fishing limit. However, a nonresident child may purchase their own license and have their own limit. Special fishing permits are need for some activities for both residents and nonresidents: -Fishing for salmon and steelhead -Fishing with two poles."

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Idaho Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Idaho Stream Access Laws

Navigable streams are recognized as public transportation corridors, thus members of the public have the right to use the corridor, provided they enter and exit the corridor at a public right of way and remain within the corridor. Many navigable streams flow through private property, thus it is important that anglers know their rights and responsibilities when fishing in navigable waters that flow through private property.

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Take Clearwater River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Clearwater River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Clearwater River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Clearwater River and check the forecast before you go.