The Northwest's Premier Outfitter offering guided fishing trips on Idaho's Clearwater and Snake Rivers, American Falls Reservoir, CJ Strike Reservoir, Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir, and the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon.
This past week saw some fantastic fishing on Idaho’s Clearwater River. The river woke up from its deep freeze the week before and the steelhead started to get frisky. We saw good catches of fish throughout the river from Orofino to Lewiston. There were a lot of fish concentrated in the river near Orofino, but the bite seemed to be a little sporadic with the bite window seeming to open and close very quickly and at random times. We also had boats fishing in the lower part of the river downstream from Orofino. Catches were good in this section, but during this time of year fish in the lower river can be really spread out. When fishing downriver of Orofino we often find the need to cover a ton of water as some good holes just wont have fish in them.
Our number one technique this week was bobber dogging beads. This has been a very consistent method for us this year, and when river conditions allow, bobber dogging allows us to cover an incredible amount of water very effectively. Our most popular beads have been softbeads from BNR beads and an assortment of hard beads in 12 -14mm. Clearwater River Steelhead seem to have an affinity for the larger beads and we have also had some good days fishing the 20mm BNR soft beads.
For this next week we are seeing a major change in river conditions. The Clearwater at the moment is really high and dirty making fishing very difficult. The one caveat to this is that during really high water the fish get concentrated in a few spots that at times can lead to the best fishing of the year. We have not had a high water event yet this winter, so this is long overdue, and will lead to some incredible fishing over the next couple of weeks as we see a bunch of fresh fish move into the system. In the past fishing in March has been a big part of your year and we are expecting fishing to continue to be fantastic through at least the 3rd week of March. If looking for a great trip that has a little better weather don’t hesitate to book a March Steelhead trip on Idaho’s Clearwater River.
The Benefits of Hiring a Local Fishing Guide for Steelhead Fishing on the Clearwater River
When it comes to steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River in Idaho, there’s no shortage of excitement and challenge. However, to truly experience the best this river has to offer, many anglers turn to local fishing guides for an edge. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, hiring a guide can significantly enhance your fishing experience and increase your chances of a successful trip.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key benefits of hiring a local fishing guide for steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River and how it can make your trip more enjoyable and productive.
1. In-Depth Knowledge of the Clearwater River
The Clearwater River, with its diverse tributaries and varying depths, presents a unique fishing environment. Local fishing guides have an intimate knowledge of the river’s flow patterns, water levels, and fishing hotspots. They know exactly where to cast to find steelhead, what times of year are most productive, and the types of bait and techniques that work best.
A guide can also interpret seasonal changes that affect steelhead migration and activity, such as when the fish are most likely to be near spawning grounds or when the river’s conditions may lead to more challenging fishing. By leveraging this local expertise, you can avoid wasting time searching for the fish and focus on maximizing your chances of landing a catch.
2. Expert Insights and Proven Strategies
Steelhead fishing on the Clearwater requires not only technical skill but also strategy. The river can present challenges like varying water clarity, shifting currents, and fish holding patterns that can be difficult for even seasoned anglers to predict. Local guides bring years of experience and a deep understanding of these nuances, allowing them to create customized fishing strategies that work for the current conditions.
Guides will teach you the best techniques to use for the specific time of year and water conditions, whether you’re using drift fishing, fly fishing, or even float fishing methods. By optimizing your fishing strategy, you can increase the likelihood of attracting steelhead to your line and maximize your time on the water.
3. Access to High-Quality Equipment and Gear
Many local guides provide top-tier fishing equipment that is specifically suited for the conditions of the Clearwater River. From rods and reels to tackle and accessories, guides equip you with everything you need for a successful day on the water. This eliminates the hassle of purchasing or renting gear that may not be the best fit for the fishery.
If you’re not familiar with steelhead-specific gear or if your own equipment needs an upgrade, a guide’s gear will give you a great head start. Plus, having the right equipment often makes the difference between a successful outing and one filled with frustration.
4. Time-Saving Convenience
Fishing trips can take a lot of time and effort to plan—especially when you’re unfamiliar with the area. A local guide takes the guesswork out of your trip, saving you time spent researching fishing conditions, finding launch points, or learning how to navigate the river. A guide handles all the logistics, so you can focus entirely on fishing.
5. Increased Productivity and More Fish
At the end of the day, hiring a local guide often leads to a more productive trip. Guides are there to maximize your chances of success, and their skills are honed to help you get the most out of your time on the Clearwater River. They can often take you to the best fishing spots and provide the right guidance to ensure your cast hits its mark.
Even in tough conditions, a guide can adjust on the fly to increase your chances of landing steelhead. With their help, you’re more likely to return with a successful catch, rather than the frustration of an unproductive trip.
6. Safety and Support
Fishing on the Clearwater River requires an understanding of the river’s potential hazards. Water levels can change quickly, and the river’s current can be strong in certain areas. A local guide is trained in safety practices and knows how to navigate the river safely.
Additionally, a guide can provide support throughout the day, whether it’s assisting you with casting techniques, untangling lines, or simply offering friendly advice. Their presence allows you to relax and focus on fishing while knowing you’re in safe hands.
Why Choose Jones Sport Fishing as Your Guide?
If you’re planning a steelhead fishing trip on the Clearwater River, consider booking a trip with Jones Sport Fishing. As local experts with years of experience fishing the Clearwater River, we offer unparalleled insight into the river’s unique fishing conditions. Our team provides top-notch equipment, proven strategies, and a dedication to making your fishing experience as enjoyable and productive as possible. Whether you’re new to steelhead fishing or a seasoned pro, we’ll tailor your trip to meet your needs and ensure you make the most of your time on the river.
Booking a trip with Jones Sport Fishing not only guarantees a great fishing adventure but also supports your success with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Don’t waste time fishing blind—let us help you catch the steelhead of your dreams.
Steelhead fishing in Idaho’s Clearwater River is an exhilarating experience that attracts anglers from all over. One of the most effective techniques for targeting these prized fish is bead fishing. In this article, we will explore the best bead colors and sizes, the advantages of using beads compared to traditional bait, and the ideal methods for fishing beads under a float. Read on to enhance your fishing game!
Why Use Beads for Steelhead Fishing?
Beads have gained popularity among steelhead anglers for several reasons:
Imitation of Natural Food Sources: Beads mimic salmon eggs, which are a staple in the diet of steelhead. This natural resemblance makes them irresistible to fish.
Versatile and Durable: Unlike natural bait, beads can withstand multiple catches and do not require constant replacement. They come in various materials, including plastic and glass, ensuring longevity and effectiveness.
Wide Range of Colors and Sizes: Beads offer a plethora of color and size options, allowing anglers to customize their approach based on water conditions, time of year, and fish behavior.
Less Mess: Beads eliminate the need for handling slippery bait, making them easier to manage on the water.
Best Bead Colors for Clearwater River Steelhead
When it comes to colors, steelhead can be quite picky. Here are some top choices that consistently yield positive results:
Pink: A classic choice, especially during the spring months. Pink beads imitate fresh salmon eggs and are often a go-to for anglers.
Chartreuse: This vibrant color stands out in murky water, making it an excellent option when visibility is low.
Orange: A versatile color that works well in various conditions, particularly during the fall when steelhead are more aggressive.
Clear: Ideal for clear water conditions, clear beads can produce great results as they resemble natural salmon roe without drawing too much attention.
Glow-in-the-Dark: For night fishing or low-light conditions, glow beads can be remarkably effective, attracting steelhead from a distance.
Best Bead Sizes for Steelhead
The size of your beads can significantly impact your success rate. Here are the optimal sizes for Clearwater River steelhead:
6mm to 14mm: These sizes are generally the most effective. Clearwater Steelhead seem to have an affinity for large 14mm beads, but often smaller presentations are what they are looking for.
Adjust Based on Conditions: In clear waters, consider using smaller beads (6mm), while larger beads (14mm or larger) can be beneficial in murkier conditions.
Fishing Beads Under a Float
Using a float is one of the best ways to present your beads effectively. Follow these steps for optimal results:
Select the Right Float: Use a high-visibility float with a suitable size for your line and bead setup. Always try and use the smallest float you can get away with. There are so many times when the bite is super subtle and if you were using a float that is too big for the situation you may be missing bites.
Set Depth Appropriately: Adjust the depth of your rig depending on where fish are holding. A good rule of thumb is to try and fish your bead within 2 feet of the bottom. On the Clearwater steelhead are usually holding tight to the bottom.
Use a Slip Bobber Rig: This allows you to easily adjust the depth of your bead while providing a natural drift. Attach a bead above a swivel and tie your leader line to the other side of the swivel.
Consider Current Speed: In fast currents, increase the weight of your float or use a heavier bead to ensure your presentation remains in the strike zone.
Watch the Float: Pay close attention to your float. A quick dip or erratic movement often indicates a steelhead taking your bead, so be ready to set the hook!
Conclusion
Bead fishing for Clearwater River steelhead is both an art and a science. By understanding the best bead colors and sizes, you can significantly enhance your chances of landing that trophy fish. With the advantages of beads over traditional bait—such as versatility, durability, and ease of use—you’ll find yourself reeling in steelhead more often than ever.
Ready to hit the water? Equip yourself with the right gear and techniques for a successful day of fishing. For more tips, guides, and fishing adventures, stay tuned to our blog!
We are so blessed to have Idaho’s Clearwater River in our backyard. The Clearwater is located in North Central Idaho and flows west from the Bitterroot Mountains, and finishes it journey by emptying into the Snake River in Lewiston Idaho. Idaho, even though its landlocked from the Pacific Ocean, enjoys fantastic Steelhead and Salmon fisheries in three major river systems. The Snake, Clearwater, and Salmon Rivers offer fantastic opportunities for anglers to enjoy Steelhead beginning in September and continuing into April. Although there are lots of areas to target Steelhead in Idaho only one river conjures up emotion and anticipation like the Clearwater. Much as a whitetail deer hunter yearns to sit on the edge of anIowa corn field looking for a 200 inch buck, Steelhead anglers flock to the Clearwater for an opportunity to land a fish of a lifetime.
Unlike Idaho’s other Steelhead rivers the run of Steelhead that make their way home to the Clearwater are predominantly referred to as B-Run Steelhead. Idaho’s Steelhead run is comprised of A-Run and B-Run fish. The A and B designation is determined by whey the fish cross Bonneville Dam ( the first of 8 dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers that all Idaho Salmon and Steelhead must migrate through) A-Run fish are simply the fish that cross Bonneville Dam before August 25th and B- Run Fish are all steelhead counted after August 25th. Along with difference in run timing A-Run fish only tend to spend one year in the ocean, while the B-Run fish spend 2-3 years in the ocean before returning to Idaho. As you can imagine the difference in time spent feeding on the open ocean drastically impacts the overall size of these fish when returning to fresh water. A-Run Steelhead average 24-26 inches in length and weigh on average 4-6 pounds. B-Run Steelhead on the other hand average 32-34 inches and weigh 12-14 pounds on average with many fish in the 36-39 inch range, and a few 40 plus inch fish are landed every year.
We target steelhead on the Clearwater from September 10th – mid March. We often see some of our biggest fish of the year starting in early October with big fish ( 35” +) possible every day through mid March. Unlike other northwest steelhead rivers Idaho’s Clearwater is not a numbers game, but anglers from all over the world flock here for a chance at a fish of a lifetime. If looking for a trip of a lifetime give our office a call at 208-669-1569 or take a look at our calendar at the bottom of this page for the book online options.
January on Idaho’s Clearwater River is without a doubt the most overlooked month of the year when it comes to catching great numbers of B-Run Steelhead. Over the years we have consistently had our all our top days for the season during January.
Lots of fish in the system, consistent and often times warming water temperatures, holding fish, and generally lower pressure are a few of the reasons the month of January has been our most consistent fish catching month. Despite the sometimes challenging weather conditions January is typically much more mild on the Clearwater then the surrounding areas. We often see high’s in the lower 40’s and some years we see weather warmer than that. Combine warmer temperatures (than December) and generally better water conditions from low level snow melt, and we get a winning combination for fish catching.
If you are looking for a mid winter fishing trip, and are looking for some of the best fishing of the year, make sure to give us a call and lets get you out on one of our boats. Chances are after experiencing the Clearwater in January you will come back for more.
During this time of year we will often use multiple techniques to put you on fish. Plugging, side drifting, and bobber dogging all get the nod depending on what river conditions are doing and which method has been producing the best. Yes, the weather can be cold, and we understand that when the snow is falling fishing is not on the front of most folks minds, but we think the Clearwater is just the thing to cure that cabin fever, and make some lasting memories. So, bundle up, head out and jump in a boat, you wont regret it!
Check out the video below and make sure to give us a call to get in on this awesome fishery!
While we are currently in the last few days of our Columbia River Fall Chinook season, but we can’t help be excited for our upcoming steelhead season. Steelhead on Idaho’s Clearwater is our bread and butter, the reason we call Clearwater Country home, and our absolute favorite time of year.
October 1st is the unofficial kickoff for us on the Clearwater. Idaho’s Clearwater is catch and release only for steelhead through October 15th so the first few weeks of October will see us focusing Fall Chinook, Coho, and Catch and Release Steelhead. This two week period is one of our absolute favorites of the year and the catch rates can be incredible, and the crowds can be lite.
While much has been published this year about the plight of steelhead migrating up the Columbia, it’s not all doom and gloom. Counts of B Run Steelhead crossing Bonneville Dam have only been slightly lower than last year, and if you were paying attention last year we had a great season on the Clearwater.
With numbers similar or slightly lower than last year we will definitely be fishing steelhead on Idaho’s Clearwater. While we may have to wait and see what our limits might end up being, the fact remains that we will be fishing, and really if you feel like you have to kill a steelhead to enjoy this fishery, then we really feel you are missing the point. These big Steelhead are absolutely incredible, and a picture will last a lot longer then a few fillets in the freezer.
Our favorite time of year is approaching, and we are booking fast, so if your interested in a Steelhead trip with us make sure to give us a call at 208-669-1569 and let’s get your trips planned.
Wow, the last few days have been interested. The Clearwater region has seen a tremendous amount of snow, and that has made things a little difficult. When conditions get like this chains become a necessity when launching and retrieving boats on snow and ice cover launches. Here is a major pro tip: don’t attempt snow and ice covered ramps if your not prepared, and when conditions are like this it’s not a matter of if you get stuck, it’s when, so be prepared and have a plan.
Despite last weeks cold temperatures and this weeks relentless snow we have still been catching some awesome fish. We are in the final 3 weeks of our Clearwater Steelhead Season and it’s during this period that we often catch some of our biggest fish of the year. The other bonus is that picture of big Steelhead in the snow are hard to beat.
Technique wise this seem to be the year of the plug. After struggling in the nasty conditions on Monday we switched up to pulling plugs tipped with shrimp yesterday and had a great day. My boat had 10 or so opportunities, hooked 8, and landed 6 beautiful Clearwater Steelhead.
Looking forward to the next few weeks it’s hard to tell what to expect. The forecast is calling for continued snow, although daytime highs are getting back up into the upper 30’s and low 40’s. I’m guessing plugs will continue to be a major part of our program until river temps warm up some and river flows come up, and with all the low level snow laying around we could be back to high flows and lots of drifting in a few days. At any rate we are excited for what these last few weeks of steelhead brings, as it will soon be over, and Barry and I will be moving on to chasing Columbia River Walleye. Please enjoy the pictures, and if you see us on the water make sure to say hi.
We just finished up a fantastic January on Idaho’s Clearwater River, and February is already looking to be even better. Over the last month we have seen some fantastic fishing, and although there were some days we struggled it’s was overall a great month of fishing for Idaho’s B Run Steelhead
We are very excited for February, as for us it represents the the final push of our steelhead season. We fish the Clearwater through mid March, and the last month and a half of our season can often be the best for putting a bunch of fish in the boat.
We are now in full on side drifting mode, as it allows us to not only put the rod in your hands, but it’s the absolute best way to put a bunch of steelhead in the boat. There is nothing quite like setting the hook into a pissed off steelhead. Over the last few weeks our number one rig has been pegged hard fish pills from Mad River Manufacturing. These pressured fish seem to prefer the small presentation and this set up has been hard to beat.
We have quite a few open dates over the next 6 weeks, so get in touch with us and let’s get you out on the river for a Clearwater Steelhead adventure, and enjoy the pictures below from an amazing month on the river.
Today was my first day of 2021 on the river and I couldn’t have been happier about how things went today. Every year my family and I take off to see family for the holidays, and while our days are spent gathering with family and doing some fantastic bird hunting, there is still the draw that brings me back to the river. See 10 days off the water is a LONG time in my world, and I’m always apprehensive on how the day will go. When you spend your life on the water and suddenly the routine is broken it always feels a little strange to “get back” into it.
I’m blessed to have an awesome team and great contacts that keep me informed on what’s happening on the river while I’m gone. Their help is such a blessing, and it’s hard to imagine being able to jump right back into it without having a great team. So, with some great intel, and some earned river knowledge I decided to go with the basics, and fish a stretch of river I know better than most people know the streets in their neighborhood.
What I found today was a great way to get back on the river. Idaho’s Clearwater was in the perfect “steelhead “green” and although we didn’t put up record numbers, we were able to get into fish in all the places they should have been. Side drifting egg imitations, and corky/yarn/shrimp combos were the ticket today. My absolute favorite way to fish this time of year is to side drift. It allows us to cover a bunch of water and pound holes over and over again picking out the biters.
Fishing should remain good all the way through the first half of March. It’s a guarantee we will see some changes and challenges during the next 2 1/2 months, but there is no doubt the second half of the Clearwater Steelhead season is numbers time. Our highest hookup dates always fall sometime between now and the end of February.
We still have some great dates open, but we have been taking lots of calls and filling lots of dates the past few days, so if you are interested in fishing with us this winter/Spring make sure to give Dani in our office a call at 208-669-1569 and she will get you all set up with myself or Barry. Either way you will be in good hands.
Check out the pictures below, and most of all I wish you all a happy new year, and while there are so many challenges ahead of us always remember that God’s got this and trust in him is the only way to truly have peace
We took most of last week off for the holiday, but we had boats out a few days. The fishing last week was on the slow side. There were fish to be caught, but it was a grind. I was back on the river Saturday and put a few in the boat, but today things really started to heat up. Today was the best egg bite I have had all month. It was so nice to get into a good batch of fish side drifting.
Below is our weekly steelhead video report. Please make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel while you guys are there, and if you have any questions please make sure you leave us a comment.
