Flow
10,400 cfs
Trend
Steady
Observed
50d ago
Conditions
Steelhead season is underway on the Clearwater with fish moving into the lower river and numbers increasing as water cools. As of September 3, flows sat around 10,100–10,200 cfs at Spalding, down from Dworshak Reservoir releases but stable and fishable without blowout risk. Water temperatures in the low 50s are ideal for holding steelhead, and overcast conditions are favoring their movement. Fish are still somewhat spread out, so covering water methodically will help you connect.
Gauges
Live cameras
Clearwater River at Spalding
USGS 13342500 · Oct 23, 2026, 4:00 PM
Every 60 min · daylight
Clearwater River at Orofino
USGS 13340000 · Oct 23, 2026, 5:00 AM
Every 60 min · 247
Techniques
- Keep the setup fairly simple. A floating or lightly sinking presentation can cover a lot of the traditional water. Scandi lines, longer heads and intermediate leaders all have a place right now.
- A Skagit setup can still be useful for deeper slots, heavier flies or places where you need to get beneath stronger surface current, but there is no reason to fish heavy everywhere.
- Long rods, dry lines and skated flies are the medicine for early steelhead
- Cover as much water as you can for early steelhead
Recommended flies
Skated Flyfloating presentationslightly sinking presentationsScandi lines with longer headsintermediate leadersSkagit setups for deeper slots