Due to weather conditions this past week, steelhead fishing was slow on the Clearwater River.
Boat anglers who fished on river section 03 of the river (Mouth to Memorial) fished around the Lenore area or around Cherry Lane. There were a few shore anglers fishing in this area as well and most of them were fishing around the Lenore area or just down river from Orofino. The few anglers out fishing commented on gear freezing up in the cold temperatures and the slow bite. There were other anglers who were happy with the weather conditions because it meant less competition on the river. Most of the anglers fishing river section 05 (North Fork) fished at the bridge or the wall due to slippery conditions along the banks. This past Saturday and Sunday ice was floating down the river and parts of the river were freezing over especially above Orofino in river section 04. River temperatures were 35 below the dam on river section 03 and 30 above Orofino Bridge. The North Fork had a temperature of 45. - Jaime Robertson, Clearwater Region Fisheries Technician