Flow
Very low · 3,110 cfs
Water Temp
58°F · Prime temp
Trend
Steady
Observed
15d ago
Conditions
The Clearwater is cooling and clearing as flows settle into a favorable window for fall steelhead. As of October 3, flows stood at 3,110 cfs and water temperature at 58 degrees. With clearer water and stable conditions, consider heavier line and bigger attractors near the edges, working Scandi heads or Skagit setups in black, purple, and orange, then scale down to smaller traditional patterns for shallower sections.
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
- Scandi head paired with light leader can cover water without putting fly too deep
- Floating and intermediate setups worth keeping in play through broad tailouts and shallower runs
- Skagit setup makes sense for heavier or faster runs
- Smaller traditional patterns in black, purple and orange can work well in clearer water
Recommended flies
Scandi head with light leaderSkagit setupblack patternspurple patternsorange patternssmaller traditional patternslarger flies for deeper slots