Clearwater River

Tributary of the Snake River

  • Recommended Fishing Water

Clearwater River in Clearwater, Idaho, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties is 74.8 miles in length.

Interactive Map
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Facilities

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

Recommended Game Fish

Species Observed in Surveys

Fish Stocking Records

Date Species Quantity General Size
2013/04/03 Spring-Summer Chinook 94,988 Less than 6 inches
2009/10/07 Rainbow Trout 27,030 Less than 6 inches
2009/10/06 Rainbow Trout 25,840 Less than 6 inches
2008/10/08 Rainbow Trout 29,319 Less than 6 inches
2008/10/07 Rainbow Trout 21,450 Less than 6 inches
2007/10/04 Rainbow Trout 27,000 Less than 6 inches
2007/10/03 Rainbow Trout 25,200 Less than 6 inches
2006/09/07 Rainbow Trout 23,184 Less than 6 inches
2006/09/06 Rainbow Trout 25,410 Less than 6 inches
2005/10/04 Rainbow Trout 26,539 Less than 6 inches
2005/10/03 Rainbow Trout 25,318 Less than 6 inches
2004/09/27 Rainbow Trout 26,375 Less than 6 inches
2004/09/26 Rainbow Trout 27,657 Less than 6 inches
2003/10/08 Rainbow Trout 23,760 Less than 6 inches
2003/10/07 Rainbow Trout 27,298 Less than 6 inches
2003/06/19 Fall Chinook 114,964 Less than 6 inches
2003/06/03 Fall Chinook 706,120 Less than 6 inches
2003/05/27 Fall Chinook 191,382 Less than 6 inches
2003/04/15 Fall Chinook 145,331 Greater than 6 inches
2003/03/13 Coho Salmon 279,500 Less than 6 inches
2002/10/03 Rainbow Trout 41,682 Less than 6 inches
2002/10/02 Rainbow Trout 26,426 Less than 6 inches
2002/04/21 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,365,823 Greater than 6 inches
2001/10/16 Rainbow Trout 14,015 Less than 6 inches
2001/09/28 Rainbow Trout 36,600 Less than 6 inches
2001/04/23 Steelhead Trout 1,253,471 Greater than 6 inches
2000/10/03 Rainbow Trout 25,245 Less than 6 inches
2000/10/02 Rainbow Trout 26,243 Less than 6 inches
2000/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,311,447 Greater than 6 inches
1999/10/06 Rainbow Trout 27,000 Less than 6 inches
1999/10/05 Rainbow Trout 21,700 Less than 6 inches
1999/04/26 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,248,133 Greater than 6 inches
1998/10/07 Rainbow Trout 23,450 Less than 6 inches
1998/10/06 Rainbow Trout 26,010 Less than 6 inches
1998/04/27 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,228,944 Less than 6 inches
1998/04/20 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 30,601 Less than 6 inches
1997/04/28 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 680,517 Less than 6 inches
1997/04/21 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 215,534 Less than 6 inches
1996/10/07 Rainbow Trout 13,100 Less than 6 inches
1996/04/29 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,378,034 Less than 6 inches
1995/10/11 Rainbow Trout 25,945 Less than 6 inches
1995/10/10 Rainbow Trout 23,760 Less than 6 inches
1995/04/24 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,213,577 Greater than 6 inches
1995/04/17 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 150,746 Greater than 6 inches
1994/10/05 Rainbow Trout 30,536 Less than 6 inches
1994/10/04 Rainbow Trout 22,823 Less than 6 inches
1994/06/01 Rainbow Trout 31,200 Less than 6 inches
1994/05/02 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,153,418 Less than 6 inches
1994/04/19 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 136,447 Less than 6 inches
1993/10/26 Rainbow Trout 75,000 Less than 6 inches
1993/10/19 Rainbow Trout 28,000 Less than 6 inches
1993/10/18 Rainbow Trout 25,000 Less than 6 inches
1993/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,217,990 Less than 6 inches
1993/04/19 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 88,500 Less than 6 inches
1992/09/30 Rainbow Trout 114,560 Less than 6 inches
1992/09/29 Rainbow Trout 23,000 Less than 6 inches
1992/04/30 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,224,101 Less than 6 inches
1992/04/15 Spring-Summer Chinook 959,369 Less than 6 inches
1991/10/17 Rainbow Trout 48,200 Less than 6 inches
1991/10/16 Rainbow Trout 51,062 Less than 6 inches
1991/04/29 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 1,192,503 Less than 6 inches
1990/10/11 Rainbow Trout 35,033 Less than 6 inches
1990/10/09 Rainbow Trout 25,970 Less than 6 inches
1989/10/04 Rainbow Trout 25,900 Less than 6 inches
1989/05/04 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 179,624 Greater than 6 inches
1989/05/04 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 101,049 Less than 6 inches
1989/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 122,745 Greater than 6 inches
1989/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 211,911 Less than 6 inches
1989/05/01 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 111,151 Greater than 6 inches
1989/05/01 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 347,420 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/28 Spring-Summer Chinook 1,000 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/28 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 3,450 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/23 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 498,775 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/22 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 376,612 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/20 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 330,962 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/02 Spring-Summer Chinook 648,557 Less than 6 inches
1987/04/01 Spring-Summer Chinook 1,062,153 Less than 6 inches
1987/03/06 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 506 Adults
1986/05/07 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 42,443 Less than 6 inches
1986/05/05 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 181,315 Less than 6 inches
1986/05/02 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 36,503 Less than 6 inches
1986/05/01 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 115,858 Less than 6 inches
1986/04/30 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 312,668 Less than 6 inches
1986/04/28 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 198,617 Less than 6 inches
1986/04/25 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 318,394 Less than 6 inches
1986/04/24 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 34,438 Less than 6 inches
1986/04/03 Spring-Summer Chinook 249,110 Less than 6 inches
1986/04/02 Spring-Summer Chinook 257,210 Less than 6 inches
1985/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 197,263 Less than 6 inches
1985/05/02 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 165,976 Less than 6 inches
1985/04/29 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 672,334 Greater than 6 inches
1984/06/30 Spring-Summer Chinook 56,683 Less than 6 inches
1984/06/01 Spring-Summer Chinook 99,586 Less than 6 inches
1984/05/30 Spring-Summer Chinook 134,406 Less than 6 inches
1984/05/15 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 654,596 Less than 6 inches
1984/05/08 Spring-Summer Chinook 185,755 Less than 6 inches
1984/05/02 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 254,119 Less than 6 inches
1984/04/26 Spring-Summer Chinook 153,556 Less than 6 inches
1984/04/25 Spring-Summer Chinook 113,850 Less than 6 inches
1984/04/25 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 159,555 Less than 6 inches
1984/04/23 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 140,049 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/26 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 152,849 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/25 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 81,452 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/24 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 35,006 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/23 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 23,974 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/19 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 40,914 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/18 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 99,663 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/16 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 82,106 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/13 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 91,296 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/12 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 30,215 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/11 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 29,938 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/09 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 69,651 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/05 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 179,581 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/04 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 238,361 Less than 6 inches
1983/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 72,136 Less than 6 inches
1983/04/20 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 99,519 Less than 6 inches
1983/04/13 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 36,150 Less than 6 inches
1983/04/12 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 125,036 Less than 6 inches
1983/04/01 Spring-Summer Chinook 22,181 Less than 6 inches
1983/03/29 Spring-Summer Chinook 26,874 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/31 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 36,955 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/28 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 7,000 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/21 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 72,103 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/19 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 37,031 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/17 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 70,374 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/14 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 36,707 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/12 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 208,892 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/11 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 34,478 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/10 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 135,244 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/07 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 67,980 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/06 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 6,613 Less than 6 inches
1982/05/03 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 253,020 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/30 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 73,397 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/23 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 148,526 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/22 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 350,091 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/21 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 286,695 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/19 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 144,815 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/12 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 137,786 Less than 6 inches
1982/04/05 Steelhead (Snake River - B Run) 148,370 Less than 6 inches
1981/06/30 Steelhead Trout 46,403 Less than 6 inches
1981/05/18 Steelhead Trout 196,024 Less than 6 inches
1981/04/30 Steelhead Trout 508,593 Less than 6 inches
1981/04/24 Steelhead Trout 65,287 Less than 6 inches
1981/04/23 Steelhead Trout 203,866 Less than 6 inches
1981/04/22 Steelhead Trout 228,162 Less than 6 inches
1981/04/01 Rainbow Trout 100,000 Less than 6 inches
1980/05/14 Steelhead Trout 62,694 Less than 6 inches
1980/05/05 Steelhead Trout 128,984 Less than 6 inches
1980/05/01 Steelhead Trout 25,125 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/30 Steelhead Trout 30,516 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/29 Steelhead Trout 57,702 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/22 Steelhead Trout 413,996 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/21 Steelhead Trout 339,191 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/18 Steelhead Trout 69,969 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/17 Steelhead Trout 25,103 Less than 6 inches
1980/04/16 Steelhead Trout 50,834 Less than 6 inches
1979/08/21 Steelhead Trout 37,000 Less than 6 inches
1979/06/30 Steelhead Trout 444,288 Less than 6 inches
1978/11/13 Rainbow Trout 5,330 Less than 6 inches
1978/04/26 Spring-Summer Chinook 73,234 Less than 6 inches
1978/04/26 Steelhead Trout 24,417 Less than 6 inches
1975/11/04 Crappie 800 Less than 6 inches
1975/11/04 Largemouth Bass 200 Less than 6 inches
1974/05/16 Steelhead Trout 2,204 Adults
1974/04/16 Steelhead Trout 1,193 Adults
1972/05/24 Steelhead Trout 463 Adults
1972/05/23 Steelhead Trout 161 Adults
1972/05/15 Steelhead Trout 137 Adults
1972/04/20 Steelhead Trout 343,267 Less than 6 inches
1972/04/19 Steelhead Trout 153,293 Less than 6 inches
1972/04/18 Steelhead Trout 284,975 Less than 6 inches
1972/04/17 Steelhead Trout 162,124 Less than 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

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

Clearwater River From the mouth upstream to the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino
  • Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
  • Fishing between the posted boundaries 100 yards upstream and downstream from the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery Ladder (near Cherry Lane Bridge) and extending into the river channel approximately 50 yards is prohibited
  • Fishing from the shoreline or wading along the perimeter of Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is prohibited
Clearwater River From the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino upstream to the confluence of the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater rivers
  • Trout limit is 6; only trout with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept; no harvest of Cutthroat Trout
  • September 1 through April 30 - No motors allowed
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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