Middle Fork Clearwater River

Tributary of the Clearwater River

  • Recommended Fishing Water

Middle Fork Clearwater River in Idaho County is 23.3 miles in length.

Interactive Map
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Facilities

Motor Restriction
Yes
Boat Ramp
Yes
Dock
No
Toilet
Yes
Campground
No
ADA Access
Yes

Recommended Game Fish

Species Observed in Surveys

Fish Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity General Size
2005/04/04 Chinook Spring 624,967 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1996/04/22 Steelhead B-Run 154,271 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1985/07/24 Rainbow Unspecified 2,920 Catchable (6+ inches)
1984/06/11 Rainbow Unspecified 1,980 Catchable (6+ inches)
1983/06/09 Rainbow Unspecified 480 Catchable (6+ inches)
1981/03/18 Chinook Spring 62,261 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1981/02/06 Chinook Spring 174,617 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1979/05/03 Chinook Spring 666,544 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1979/04/09 Chinook Spring 301,029 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1977/05/16 Chinook Spring 900,200 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1977/04/26 Chinook Spring 140,000 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1977/04/17 Chinook Spring 360,630 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1976/05/03 Chinook Spring 71,000 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1976/04/06 Chinook Spring 972,200 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1975/04/21 Chinook Spring 309,460 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1975/03/26 Chinook Spring 492,705 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1974/03/25 Chinook Spring 303,803 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1972/10/11 Chinook Spring 152,270 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
1972/06/16 Rainbow Unspecified 340 Catchable (6+ inches)
1972/03/20 Chinook Spring 96,032 Fingerling (3-6 inches)
Source: IDFG Fish Stocking Database.

Licenses and Tags

Learn more about IDFG Licenses, Tags & Permits
 

See our separate pages for Chinook, Coho and Steelhead Seasons and Rules from the Mouth of the Middle Fork Clearwater to Clear Creek

Fishing Rules, 2022 - 2024

All Waters Open All Year

Except as modified in Special Rules
Fishing is not allowed within the posted upstream and downstream boundary of any fish weir or trap.

Daily Bag Limits

The following daily bag limits apply to all waters within each region except as modified in the Special Rules. The possession limit is 3-times the daily bag limit after the second day of the season.

Special Rules

Middle Fork Clearwater River
  • September 1 through April 30 - No motors allowed
  • December 1 through Friday before Memorial Day weekend - trout limit is 0, catch-and-release
  • Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30 - trout limit is 2, none under 14 inches
Clearwater Region Bag Limits
Bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth)

  • In rivers and streams, no bag, size or possession limits
  • In lakes and reservoirs, limit is 6, both species combined

Brook Trout

  • Brook Trout limit is 25

Bull Trout

  • Bull Trout limit is 0, catch-and-release

Kokanee

  • Kokanee limit is 25

Salmon 

  • Spring and summer Chinook Salmon seasons and limits are set annually by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and issued in separate brochures
  • Seasons and limits for fall Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon can be found here
  • Sockeye Salmon limit is 0 and fishing for or targeting Sockeye Salmon is illegal
  • Fishing for or targeting salmon is prohibited unless a salmon season is specifically opened for that water

Steelhead (ocean-going)

  • Defined as Rainbow Trout longer than twenty (20) inches in length in the Snake River drainage below Hells Canyon Dam, the Salmon River drainage (excluding lakes and reservoirs), and the Clearwater River drainage (excluding that portion above Dworshak Dam, and lakes)
  • Seasons and limits for steelhead can be found here
  • Fishing for or targeting steelhead is prohibited unless a steelhead season is specifically opened for that water 

Sturgeon

  • Sturgeon limit is 0, catch-and-release
  • Sturgeon must not be removed from the water and must be released upon landing
  • Barbless hooks are required
  • Use of a sliding swivel device to secure a weight, and a lighter test line to secure weight to sliding swivel device is required. See fishing regulations for details

Tiger Muskie

  • Tiger Muskie limit is 2, none under 40 inches

Trout includes Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout, and trout hybrids (e.g. Tiger Trout)

  • In rivers and streams, trout limit is 2, all species combined
  • In lakes, reservoirs, ditches and canals, trout limit is 6, all species combined
  • Does not include Bull Trout and Brook Trout which are listed separately

Whitefish

  • Whitefish limit is 25

Protected Nongame Fish includes Pacific Lamprey and Sand Roller

  • May not be harvested or possessed

All Other Fish Species includes bullfrogs and crayfish

  • No bag, size or possession limit
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