Clearwater River

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 2
Species: 11

The Clearwater River is located in western Montana's Missoula County within the Western Fishing District. This scenic waterway flows south from the Clearwater Chain of Lakes (Clearwater Lake, Seeley Lake, Salmon Lake, and others) before joining the Blackfoot River. The Clearwater River system is characterized by crystal-clear waters flowing through coniferous forests and open valleys. The watershed is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the Blackfoot River drainage, made famous by Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It. Known for its pristine waters and diverse fish populations, the Clearwater River offers anglers excellent fishing opportunities in a beautiful Montana setting.

Montana licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

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

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Bull Trout

Salvelinus confluentus

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Mountain Whitefish

Prosopium williamsoni

Sockeye Salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

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.

Six Stall Access

Access Point

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.

Montana licenses and regulations

Montana 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.

Learn more

Montana Fishing License

All anglers 12 and over must possess a license.

Learn more

Montana 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.

Learn more

Montana Stream Access Laws

Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams without landowner permission. Montana's stream access law ensures public access to surface waters by public bridge or county road right-of-way. The width of a public bridge or public road right-of-way easement is the same as the public highway to which it is attached.

Learn more

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