Clearwater River Steelhead Fishing Report 2023

Written by Toby Wyatt

Toby has been a fishing guide for 32 years. Toby grew up chasing big fish on area rivers. Toby was voted one of the top 25 guides on the west coast by Salmon & Steelhead Journal. He has also been featured in numerous magazine articles, radio programs, T.V. fishing shows on the Columbia River to the Clearwater River.

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Posted January 6, 2023

Steelhead Fishing Report Page, Please Come Back To See

Are you ready to make your Steelhead fishing dreams come true? Get the latest scoop on Steelhead hot spots stretching from Washington to Idaho. Whether it’s casting a line in the legendary Columbia River or its tributaries. Plus, some prime spots on the Clearwater Rivers and Snake River. Get ready for an epic angling experience with Reel Time Fishing.

Call (208) 790-2128

Fishing remains stellar on the Clearwater River

We have experienced one of the best steelhead seasons in 20 years. River temps are currently on the rise as we are experiencing a warming trend causing a bit of snow melt.

This is usually a signal for the Steelhead to move into the Clearwater and make their way towards Orofino Idaho and Dworshak national fish hatchery.

February is poised to be possibly our best month of catch rates for Steelhead in the Clearkwater. We provide poles, bait, and tackle and look forward to 8 hours of fishing.

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

Excellent

Based on 99 reviews

Jennifer Busby

June 16, 2023

The best guides around!

Elliot Thomsen

June 5, 2023

Great trip. Jeff, our guide, is highly competent and exceeded all of our expectations. Professional and I highly recommend this company to anyone who wants to have a great experience and a successful fishing adventure.

Bonnie Willis

May 4, 2023

This was our first time out with Reel Time Fishing, guide Travis Wendt was an excellent guide/host/cook! We booked a trip on Dworshak Res. for bass fishing and were very successful. It wasn't just the fish that made the trip successful it was the total package! We had great company on the boat, including Denali the boat host. All was so perfect that we have already scheduled another trip with Reel Time and Travis. Thanks for the experience and look forward to the next trip out. Scott & Bonnie Willis

Steven Gentry

March 13, 2023

Travis made room for my brother and I after our original guide service had boat problems. We had an amazing experience with him. Our boat caught 11 steelhead with 4 of them being keepers. The next trip will be with Reel Time Fishing.

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

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

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.