Observed
29d ago
Conditions
Steelhead numbers are building on the lower Clearwater as flows have moderated, making lighter presentations more effective and traditional swing water easier to fish. Lower Granite crossings are outperforming Bonneville, which is running below the 10-year average. A dropping river can be prime as fish relocate into newly fishable water, but don't assume every run is loaded yet; fish may be moving through in small groups. Consider dry lines and hair wings, or go lighter on your tip with larger flies to cover water effectively.
Gauges
Live cameras
Clearwater River at Spalding
USGS 13342500 · Oct 18, 2026, 7:00 PM
Every 60 min · daylight
Clearwater River at Orofino
USGS 13340000 · Oct 18, 2026, 5:00 AM
Every 60 min · 247
Techniques
- Dry lines and hair wings are getting it done for steelhead; lighter tips and larger flies also effective
- With river coming down, lighter presentations increasingly useful. Scandi heads, floating lines and intermediate leaders can cover lot of water effectively. Skagit heads and sink tips still have place in deeper runs and faster buckets.
Recommended flies
Dry linesHair wingsScandi headsFloating linesIntermediate leadersSkagit headsSink tips