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North Fork Clearwater River

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
26
Species
11

The North Fork Clearwater River is a magnificent 134.7-mile waterway flowing through Clearwater and Shoshone Counties in north central Idaho. This prime fishing destination is a tributary of the Clearwater River and originates in the Bitterroot Mountains. The river is renowned for its clear waters and exceptional fishing opportunities, particularly for steelhead, chinook salmon, and various trout species. The North Fork was once home to thriving summer steelhead runs before the construction of Dworshak Dam, which now blocks these migrations. The river is accessible via Forest Road #250 for much of its length, making it a popular destination for anglers seeking beautiful scenery and productive fishing.


Species & education

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

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Chinook Salmon714,042 fish · 4.5 inApr 16, 2026
  • Chinook Salmon298,705 fish · 4.5 inApr 10, 2025
  • Chinook Salmon363,934 fish · 4.5 inMar 27, 2025
  • Chinook Salmon592,527 fish · 4.5 inApr 12, 2024
  • Chinook Salmon251,947 fish · 4.5 inApr 13, 2023

Source

Idaho Department of Fish and Game

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on North Fork 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 North Fork 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 North Fork 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 North Fork Clearwater River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for North Fork Clearwater River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

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

NF CLEARWATER RIVER NR CANYON RANGER STATION ID

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