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.
We had an overall incredible week on Idaho’s Clearwater River. Although we were dealing with high dirty water water, we had some of our best fishing of the entire year. Mid week was unbelievable with Wednesday and Thursday both seeing two boats with close to or over 30 fish landed for the day. The fishing held out into the weekend, but we saw reduced catches due to the increased pressure on the river. When the water is high and dirty we are very limited in the areas we can fish, and when those locations fill up with boats things can get a little more difficult.
From talking with multiple people it also sounded like the South Fork of the Clearwater, and the North Fork Clearwater were both fishing very well. This is typical of the type of run that we are having. During these types of years we often see a late push of fish that come into the Orofino area around the second week of March. During the winter months the fish ladder on Lower Granite Dam is closed for maintenance and cleaning. The ladder at Lower Granite is then re opened in March and the fish that were forced to overwinter in the Lower Snake River make their final push up the Clearwater. We have even had fantastic days of fishing into April some years.
If you are looking for a steelhead trip on the Clearwater River with us I would safely say that we are looking at a few good weeks of fishing ahead of us, and depending on how river conditions look this spring, we may see some great catches a little later in the month.
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.
If you’re a passionate angler looking to land a prized steelhead, February is the perfect time to fish the Clearwater River in Idaho. Known for its beautiful scenery and incredible steelhead runs, the Clearwater is one of the top destinations for winter time steelhead fishing. In this post, we’ll explore why February is such a great month to fish for steelhead on the Clearwater River and how you can make the most of your fishing experience.
Why February is Ideal for Steelhead Fishing on the Clearwater River
Prime Steelhead Run February falls right in the heart of steelhead season on the Clearwater River. During this time, both wild and hatchery steelhead make their way upstream to spawn, creating an exciting opportunity for anglers. These fish are often in excellent condition, having spent the winter months in the river, and are hungry and aggressive as they prepare for spawning.
Milder Winter Weather While many parts of Idaho can experience harsh winter conditions, February often brings more favorable weather for fishing. The temperatures, while cold, are generally more tolerable for anglers than the deep winter months of January. The Clearwater River itself also tends to be more stable in terms of water levels and clarity, which makes it easier to plan your fishing trips. Steelhead thrive in clear, cold water, and the winter runoff that affects other rivers is often minimal on the Clearwater in February.
Fewer Crowds, More Fish One of the major advantages of fishing in February is the reduced number of anglers on the river as long as you avoid the congestion near the hatcheries. Many anglers don’t realize that not all the fish are congregated in these busy fishing locations, and unlike the fall when anglers are spread out over the entire river, during February its not hard to get away from the crowds. Miles and miles of river will be void of anglers, giving the person who doesn’t mind exploring and rolling the dice the option to fish lots of water all to themselves.
Best Techniques for February Steelhead Fishing
To make the most of your steelhead fishing trip to the Clearwater River in February, consider the following techniques:
Drift Fishing: This method involves using a fishing rod to cast a baited hook or lure and letting it drift naturally with the current. Steelhead are often found in deeper pools or runs, making drift fishing a highly effective technique for getting your bait in front of them.
Bobber Fishing: During the cold weather months Clearwater Steelhead often congregate in the deeper slower holes as they wait for the warming water of early spring to finish their migration up stream. Fishing bobber in conjunction with both hard and soft beads, and jigs will produce quite a few fish.
Spinners and Spoons: Another effective technique for steelhead fishing is using spinners or spoons. Spinners and spoons are often an overlooked technique for steelhead on the Clearwater, but in the right conditons the flash and vibration from these lures can really get fish going.
Tips for Fishing the Clearwater River in February
Stay Warm: Dressing in layers is essential when fishing in February. It can be cold early in the morning, but the temperature may rise as the day progresses. Make sure to wear waterproof gear, gloves, and insulated boots to stay comfortable. A heater in the boat is always present on our boats this time of year. While if doesn’t replace the need for warm cloths it does provide a nice place to warm up the hands in between drifts
Check the River Conditions: Always check the river’s flow and clarity before heading out. The Clearwater River is subject to occasional fluctuations, and understanding water conditions will help you plan your trip more effectively.
Hire a Guide: If you’re unfamiliar with the river or the techniques required to catch steelhead in February, consider hiring a local fishing guide. They have in-depth knowledge of the area and can put you on the fish, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.
Why Fish the Clearwater River?
The Clearwater River is one of the most well-known rivers for steelhead fishing in Idaho. With its stunning views, abundant wildlife, and rich history, it offers an unforgettable fishing experience. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner, February provides optimal conditions for steelhead fishing. The Clearwater’s accessibility and peaceful atmosphere during this time of year make it a prime location to fish for these majestic fish.
Book Your Steelhead Fishing Trip Today!
If you’re ready to experience the thrill of steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River this February, there’s no better time to plan your trip. Whether you’re after the catch of a lifetime or simply looking to enjoy the beauty of the Idaho wilderness, our experienced guides at Jones Sport Fishing are here to make your fishing trip unforgettable. We offer guided trips, equipment rentals, and expert tips to help you catch your next trophy steelhead.
Conclusion
February is one of the best months to fish the Clearwater River for steelhead. The combination of prime run timing, favorable weather, and fewer crowds makes it an ideal time for anglers. With the right techniques and preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing steelhead fishing adventure in one of Idaho’s most scenic and productive rivers. Book your trip today with Jones Sport Fishing, and let us help you land that trophy steelhead this winter!
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We often get asked, “what’s the best time to fish Idaho’s Clearwater River?” Often our answer is simply whenever you can get here, but specifically we look at the month of February as one of the absolute best times of the year to fish for the giant B-Run steelhead on the Clearwater.
February is typically when the Clearwater starts to become alive again. With Orofino, Idaho sitting at an elevation of just over 1000 ft spring starts to show in the Clearwater Canyon often long before the surrounding highlands. February also tends to kick off the Spring migration of steelhead that have overwintered both in the Snake and Clearwater Rivers . During the cold water periods of late November, December, and January most of the upstream migration stops and Clearwater steelhead look for deep slow moving water to wait out the cold, but as the water temps start to rise (usually during the last week of January and first two weeks of February) the urge to migrate again takes over. From now through April Idaho’s steelhead will make the final push of their already incredible journey back to their spawning grounds deep in the Selway/Bitterroot wilderness or to the hatchery they were born in.
During February we position ourselves near Orofino, Idaho where the North Fork Clearwater River meets the main stem Clearwater. Dworshak National Fish Hatchery is located here and we are waiting to intercept these fish as they gather near the hatchery of their birth. During February our number one used technique is side drifting bait and single egg imitations. This method allows us to cover lots of water and put our gear in front of lots of willing fish. During February its not uncommon for our boats to see double digit numbers of steelhead slide into the net. So, if you are getting some cabin fever, and ready to hit the water contact us today and lets get you out on a fantastic steelhead fishing adventure on Idaho’s Clearwater River.
To book your next Clearwater River Steelhead trip either give us a call at 208-669-1569 or click on the green Book Online button at the top of your screen. We look forward to spending a day on the water with you!
