Steelhead Fishing Guides

A Steelhead Fishing Experience You Won’t Forget

You may even see 20 or more strikes in just one day.

If you’re looking to challenge yourself with a high-stakes steelhead fishing experience, then look no further than the Clearwater River! Known for its massive 10-20lb fish, this river is one of the best on Earth. Our experienced guides will help navigate your way through 40 miles of rocky structures and gravel bars–so be prepared for some serious action!

You may even see 20 or more strikes in just one day—who knows what kind of record might be broken!? With Reel Time Fishing’s six full-time local guides from Lewiston to Orofino Idaho, we have every type of tackle so that nobody misses out on any early season surprises. Get ready for an epic adventure worthy legend status!!

The Clearwater are 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 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 the river beginning in Lewiston, Idaho, and extending into the town of Orofino, Idaho. Reel Time Fishing is one of the few outfitters whose guides will fish every inch of the 40 miles of river, allowing us to follow the fish around and have a strategic advantage in the early season when the fish are spread throughout the river system. Winding through Idaho’s backcountry we also fish the entrance to Hell’s Canyon on the Snake River for Fall and Winter Steelhead.

Call (208) 790-2128

Book Your Steelhead Trip Today!

It’s hard to describe the feeling when you land the biggest steelhead of your life.

Drop a line in the beautiful Heller Bar on the Snake River and get ready for an action packed day! These steelhead are not to be reckoned with – they’ll put on quite a show as you chase their long, screaming runs. An average of 5-8lbs makes them deceptively strong and there’s always that chance of landing one 10+ pounder. Thankfully your fishing guide at Reel Time Fishing knows every piece of this river like the back of his hand so he can help increase those odds even further. Plus, all gear is provided, along with an awesome BBQ lunch and filleting services after, sounds pretty sweet right?

Steelhead season begins in August. The A-run (4 to 10lb fish) is running strong, the weather is nice, the water is warm and the fish are scrappy. This time of year you will experience the best fight a steelhead has to offer. In early October the B-run (10 lb. plus fish) begin to trickle in and will grow in numbers all through the winter.

Tens of thousands of fish migrate each year to the Snake River, Clearwater, Salmon, Grande Ronde rivers and many other small tributaries. This is our busy time of year as we run up to six boats and spend most of our time fishing the lower Clearwater and the Snake River near Heller Bar. We are blessed to have the largest concentration of Steelhead in the world. April signifies the end of the Steelhead season.

Steelhead Fishing Report

Check out some of our videos about this amazing trip!

Our Amazing Fishing Guide Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 250 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kimberly Kempton 
 March 28, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I usually fish with Reel Time on the Clearwater River for steelhead.  But this time I fished with them in Baja California.  We started in Magdelena Bay for two days then to Loreto for three days.  Fishing in Mag Bay we caught so many different species of fish and fished in the Pacific and the mangroves in the bay. In Loreto we did two days fishing for yellow tail and one day bottom fishing.   Once again we caught so many species of fish.  We took our fresh catch to the hotel restaurant and had fresh sashimi and ceviche. It was epic.  For your next planned fishing adventure I would suggest Reel Time.  We saw whales and dolphins as well.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ed Chaney 
 March 17, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reel Time Fishing is a great operation. Plenty of communication ahead of time to make sure everything goes smoothly on arrival, including help with selecting a place to stay. Their boats are roomy and super comfortable. Bryce Wyatt was our guide. We had success fishing for steelhead in the Clearwater near Orofino and the Grande Ronde in the middle of nowhere. Great scenery and great fishing. Bryce worked his tail off for us. I can't say enough about his work ethic. We are going back next year.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Steve Wharton 
 January 26, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Vern and Nick worked hard to get us into fish. And they/we were very successful. I brought my two grandsons (ages 7 and 9) and they had a blast! Thanks again for a great day.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Casey Charbonneau 
 January 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We went steelhead and sturgeon fishing in Idaho/Washington with Reel Time Fishing and had an absolutely amazing experience. I especially want to single out Bryce Wyatt — he truly made the trip unforgettable. Bryce was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He worked nonstop to put us on fish, made sure everyone felt comfortable, and was always willing to help, teach, and answer questions. On top of that, he was just an awesome person to spend the day with — professional, friendly, and fun. If you’re thinking about booking with Reel Time Fishing, ask for Bryce Wyatt. You won’t regret it. We can’t wait to come back and fish with him again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Huber 
 January 19, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe is an awesome guide! He worked hard and got us on the fish. My 12 year old son was able to catch his first steelhead and we caught lots of whitefish. I would definitely book another trip in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   mconcrete11 mconcrete11 
 November 25, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great day, best ever. Limited out last hour. Travis, and Kyle are great guides.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Rick Pasta 
 October 24, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gabe was a very professional and very easy going guide our experience was fantastic. We hooked -20 fish landing 12 steelhead on our trip. I will book with real fishing very soon.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ruby Collins 
 October 16, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the BEST experience. I went out on Ole Ole and the captain Pepe did an amazing job! The boat brought in 5 species of fish! I was lucky to land a Striped Marlin! A beautiful boat with a great crew! Another person caught a Dorado! Thank you all for a great time! It was "Kiss and Release" This was in Cabo! Ruby October 14, 2025.. My second fishing trip with Captain Pepe and his crew Armando and Luis. The "Tres Amigas", Ruby, Jennifer, and Florence fished for  two days. The first day all three of us hooked up with a Marlin at the same time. We caught and released 5 Stripped Marlin and we each caught and brought home a Dorado. Reel Time Fishing is the best charter in Cabo  I look forward to going back in February! Here are a few photos of our awesome fishing trip!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Skyler Chesnut 
 October 12, 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Awesome trip today on the Clearwater near Lewiston with guides Vern and Nick. Highly recommend!

salmon fishing at buoy 10 in astoria with reel time fishing guides

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?

Lunch and drinks ARE NOT provided on any of our fishing trips anymore.

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.