Clearwater River Fishing Guides

CLEARWATER RIVER STEELHEAD FISHING GUIDES

If you’re looking to challenge yourself with a high-stakes steelhead fishing experience, then look no further.

World famous for it’s B-run Steelhead averaging 10 to 12 lbs with several 20 lb plus fish to be taken, the Clearwater River is highly regarded as one of the best Steelhead rivers in the world. The Clearwater is a relatively shallow river with rocky structure and gravel bars making drifting bait the primary method of fishing here.

It is not uncommon for our Clearwater River Steelhead fishing guides to put your group onto 20 or more Steelhead in a day! Our six full time guides will cover a 40 mile section of river beginning in Lewiston, Idaho and extending into the town of Orofino, Idaho.

Reel Time Fishing is one of the few outfitters who’s guides will fish every inch of this 40 miles of river, allowing for us to follow the fish around and have a strategic advantage in the early season when the fish are spread throughout the river system.

The Clearwater River Steelhead season extends out over seven months, opening in July for catch and release and then catch and keep in October, making it our longest and our most popular fishery we offer. These brutes make their way 450 river miles inland, starting their journey up the Columbia River at Astoria, Oregon and ending at one of many hatcheries, wild spawning habitat, or on the end of your line.

20 or more Steelhead in a day!

Thanks to the largest Steelhead hatchery in the nation, we are fortunate to be able to harvest these beautiful creatures. Without Dworshak or Clearwater hatcheries, we would not be able to sustain runs large enough to hold a harvest fishery.

Reel Time Fishing operates as a licensed Idaho outfitter under four limited entry permits issued by the Idaho Outfitters & Guides Licensing Board. Our Steelhead trips operate under two of 10 permits issued for the Lewiston to Orofino section. These permits are difficult to obtain which restricts competition and helps keep guide traffic to a minimum. Each guide must work as an employee for the permit holder (outfitter) which means each guide has been hand picked and are the best of the best.

CLEARWATER RIVER SALMON FISHING GUIDES

Spring Salmon are regarded as the best tasting salmon out of the three chinook runs.

The Clearwater also sees a run of spring Chinook Salmon. Our Clearwater River Fishing Guides will fish a 70 mile section of river from Lewiston to Kooskia, with stops along the way in the communities of Lenore, Peck, and Orofino. Trolling herring, eggs, or plugs as well as back-bouncing eggs are the best methods of take in this fishery.

Idaho Clearwater Spring Salmon are regarded as the best tasting salmon out of the three chinook runs that make it into Idaho. The weather is nice this time of year which makes for a great family fishing trip!

Chinook and Coho Salmon fishing at it’s best.

In recent years we have been able to target fall Chinook & Coho that have been making their return to the Clearwater River. Both species begin to pick up towards the end of September and fishing for them is prime early to mid October. Side-drifting our Steelhead gear with cured roe is our primary way to target the fall Chinook, whereas trolling plugs tends to put more Coho in the boat.

We now offer the Clearwater River Trifecta where we can target and harvest Steelhead, Chinook, and Coho all in the same day.

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

Based on 93 reviews
Kimberly Kempton
Kimberly Kempton
January 27, 2023
I had the best time steelhead fishing on the Clearwater with Captain Jim from Reel Time Fishing. He put us on the fish and we were able to bring in all that we caught. He was very professional and accommodating in every way. He made us a great hot lunch each day. We back trolled and side drifted and had so much fun bringing in all those beautiful fish. We stayed at the Lenore Lodge which was 3 mins from the launch. The lodge had 10 beds and an awesome game room. It was very clean and comfortable. I do suggest Reel Time Fishing for an epic trip and I will definitely return for more fishing.
J RAND LOTHSPEICH
J RAND LOTHSPEICH
January 27, 2023
Just spent the last two days fishing with Jim our guide- fantastic time!!! I have caught in the neighbourhood of 40 steelhead in my life time and I caught the two biggest on this trip 37” 14lbs- perfect boat great equipment- we also stayed at the lodge in Lenore perfect
Michael Pickren
Michael Pickren
October 18, 2022
I highly recommend Jeff at Real Time Guides who put us on some outstanding fish both days we were here.
Ashleigh Schultz
Ashleigh Schultz
October 10, 2022
Great time with Jim Carter, Again! fantastic day on the river!
Larry Meier
Larry Meier
September 27, 2022
They treat you well and provide alot and share secret spots
Ken Gutowski
Ken Gutowski
September 20, 2022
Great trip,Travis worked super hard to get our salmon!
Jason Person
Jason Person
August 27, 2022
We fished a half day for Sturgeon with Jeff and had a great trip. Caught 3 Sturgeon and one was really nice (7'6"). Boat and equipment were top notch. Definitely would book with Reel Time again. Don't be afraid to book with them, the price is right and the guides know what they are doing. Thanks for the great trip.
Monica Jaeger
Monica Jaeger
July 15, 2022
Had an amazing time with Shane! Very experienced and knew exactly where to go. Well worth the time and money. If we lived closer we would book again!
Colton Malone
Colton Malone
June 16, 2022
Great time with great people! The Clearwater was high and supposedly blown out but our guide, Jeff, still put us on some great fish and we tagged out in 3 hours! Definitely coming back.

Frequently Asked Questions about our fishing trips

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I BRING ON MY TRIP?

The legal max boatload is six anglers, but with six full time guides available we are able to accommodate large groups of more than six people.

IS LUNCH/DRINKS PROVIDED ON MY TRIPS?

We do provide a BBQ lunch and drinks on all Clearwater, Snake, and Dworshak trips. Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our Columbia River or Grande Ronde river trips.

HOW MANY HOURS ARE WE ON THE WATER?

Look forward to at least 8 hours of fishing unless you book a half day trip, then look forward to 4 hours of fishing

DO YOU PROVIDE ALL THE GEAR WE NEED TO FISH?

Yes, each guide is fully equipped with top-notch rods, reels and bait to ensure success on your trip.

DO I NEED TO PRE-PAY OR PLACE A DEPOSIT DOWN TO HOLD MY SPOT?

We require a 50% deposit at the time of booking, final payment must be made in full 10 days prior to your trip. We do not offer refunds for cancellations or head-count changes made inside 10 days of your trip.

DO YOU CLEAN AND FILLET OUR CATCH?

Yes, all of our guides will clean and fillet your catch unless otherwise specified.