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© 2026 Barbless.co. Flow and gauge data from USGS; weather from Open-Meteo. · v2026.10.18.2

  1. Reports
  2. Browse
Oct2026October 2026
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Region

  • All regions
  • North-Central Idaho85
  • Panhandle94
  • Salmon Region20
  • South Central Idaho67
  • Southwest Idaho9
  • Upper Snake / Eastern Idaho95

Rivers & Lakes

  • All waters
  • Clearwater River19
  • Dworshak Reservoir1
  • Kelly Creek6
  • Lochsa River11
  • North Fork Clearwater River18
  • Selway River11
  • Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Clearwater Confluence (Lewiston)19

Report Type

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  • Conditions85
  • Outlook0

Browse Idaho Fishing Reports

Current conditions, flows, and hatch notes for Idaho rivers: updated as new reports are published.

Updated October 18, 2026

Filters:North-Central IdahoRemove North-Central Idaho filter

Showing 21–40 of 85 reports

Filters:North-Central IdahoRemove North-Central Idaho filter

September 27, 2026

North-Central Idaho

North Fork Clearwater River

The North Fork is fishing very well with October Caddis and Mahogany Dun mayflies productive in open sections; Black Canyon is closed due to fire, but upper reaches and lower river remain accessible.

715 cfs ↓

North-Central Idaho

Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Clearwater Confluence

Steelhead season has started with stable flows and improving temperatures. No closures in effect despite low returns this year.

11,300 cfs

September 26, 2026

North-Central Idaho

Clearwater River

The Clearwater is cooling and clearing as flows settle, opening a favorable window for fall steelhead. Consider heavier lines and attractors in black, purple, and orange as water clears.

Very low · 3,110 cfs

September 24, 2026

North-Central Idaho

Clearwater River

Clearwater flows have dropped sharply to 3,270 cfs, opening swing water opportunities and concentrating steelhead in lower volumes at a prime 59-degree temperature.

Very low · 3,270 cfs

September 22, 2026

North-Central Idaho

Clearwater River

Fall steelhead are on the move in the Clearwater with cooler weather and prime water temperatures. Dry-line and sink-tip tactics both deserve a swing.

Very low · 3,240 cfs

September 20, 2026

North-Central Idaho

Clearwater River

Steelhead season is starting with reported success on the Clearwater. Flows are falling and water is cooling, making for prime conditions to target holding fish with heavier presentations.

Very low · 3,990 cfs

September 19, 2026

North-Central Idaho

Clearwater River

The Clearwater River is offering good fishing conditions with overcast skies and mild temperatures.

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North-Central Idaho

Lochsa River

Lower water concentrates fish in deeper pockets and cover areas on the Lochsa. Fish smaller mayflies, caddis, nymphs, and small streamers with careful presentation.

393 cfs ↓

North-Central Idaho

North Fork Clearwater River

Stable fall flows and cool water make this a good time for nymphs and streamers, with occasional dry action in the afternoon.

679 cfs

North-Central Idaho

Selway River

Lower flows concentrate fish in deeper pockets while making the river easier to cover. Dry-dropper rigs excel, and blue-wing olives are gaining importance as fall settles in.

540 cfs

North-Central Idaho

Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Clearwater Confluence

More fish are moving through the Snake as flows ease to 14,800 cfs. Work tailouts and soft edges with floating lines and Skagit heads.

North-Central Idaho

Lochsa River

The Lochsa is running typical late-September flows that are opening up pocket water and feeding runs. Caddis and mayflies are active during warmer periods.

415 cfs ↓

North-Central Idaho

North Fork Clearwater River

The North Fork Clearwater has dropped into low water conditions. Focus on deeper pockets and seams with nymphs and small streamers.

679 cfs ↓

North-Central Idaho

Selway River

The Selway is running at a comfortable 620 cfs with falling flows and good dry-dropper opportunity in late September.

620 cfs ↓

North-Central Idaho

Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Clearwater Confluence

Good steelhead fishing on the Snake near Lewiston with decent water levels supporting both shallow and deep presentations.

North-Central Idaho

North Fork Clearwater River

The North Fork Clearwater is fishing well with minimal pressure and good access via Hoodoo Pass.

North-Central Idaho

Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Clearwater Confluence

The early steelhead run is underway on the Snake near Lewiston with stable flows around 12,100 cfs, though overall returns have been modest this year.

12,100 cfs

North-Central Idaho

Kelly Creek

Kelly Creek is fishing well with October Caddis hatches and small ants producing steady action. Minimal pressure makes this remote tributary a solid September choice.

North-Central Idaho

North Fork Clearwater River

Excellent fishing conditions and minimal pressure on the North Fork Clearwater, with October Caddis and ant patterns producing.

North-Central Idaho

Snake River, Hells Canyon Dam to Clearwater Confluence

Early steelhead season is underway on the Snake, though returns are historically low. Flows are stable at much below normal levels.

11,400 cfs