Flow
10,700 cfs
Water Temp
51°F · Prime temp
Trend
Steady
Observed
4h ago
Conditions
Early steelhead season is underway on the lower Clearwater with fish showing and moving into the river. As of September 4, flows were running 10,700 cfs at Spalding with water temperature at 51°F—ideal conditions for holding and attracting steelhead. Colder water from Dworshak combined with overcast weather supports active fish movement. Flows have actually dropped from earlier in the week despite recent rain, with no blowout expected.
Gauges
Live cameras
Techniques
- Long rods, dry lines and skated flies are effective for early steelhead; cover as much water as possible
- Floating or lightly sinking presentation can cover a lot of the traditional water with Scandi lines, longer heads and intermediate leaders
Recommended flies
Dry linesSkated fliesFloating presentationsLightly sinking presentationsScandi lines with longer heads and intermediate leadersSkagit setups for deeper slots and heavier flies