Clearwater River

Steelhead numbers are running low on the Clearwater, but the bright side is angling pressure is equally thin. As of October 18, flows were holding steady around 3,130 cfs at Spalding with water temperatures at 52 degrees. That cooling water is pushing you toward sink-tips and weighted flies, though traditional patterns can still produce early in the day before you shift into dredging mode. Low crowds and steady conditions make this a solid time to work the river without fighting other anglers.