Steelhead counts are up!

We are seeing some of the best steelhead return numbers in years! Our fish counts are over at 110k steelhead over Bonneville Dam to date, with a good number of those being B-run beasts destined for the Clearwater River. This number from 9/17 is double what we say last year at this time. Lower Granite dam is at 14.5k steelhead and that number is rising significantly every day. We are taking bookings for what looks to be a fantastic fall season with our Clearwater River guides. Call to setup your outing 1-866-846-4240

Make note that this year we have a catch and release window of fishing from 10/15 to 11/9 so if you are wanting to keep two hatchery fish per person per day then you’ll want to book now until the October 14th or November 10th on. We also have Fall Chinook running so what a special time of year to join us on the river.

September 19, 2019 Fishing Report/Forecast

We are very excited about our Fall Chinook fishery on the Clearwater this year. Anglers are starting to catch fish in the confluence. It is still a little early as anglers are putting in about 15 hours per fish on the Snake River. It should really start to pick up in the next few weeks. We are anticipating the last week of September and first two weeks in October to be the best opportunity to hook into the biggest fish that return to Idaho.

River conditions on the lower river below the North Fork are prime for catching fish. Flow rates near Peck are 7,000 cfs and are averaging 52 degrees F. The catch and and release statistics are very good for Steelhead considering the number of fish over Lower Granite. Anglers are putting in about 7 hours per fish caught. It’s important to remember that a majority of the Snake River drainage (all the fish coming over Lower Granite) steelhead are pulling into the Clearwater due to it’s lower water temperature. With low fishing pressure and ideal river conditions, this is the perfect time to come Spey/Fly fish the Clearwater River.

We are excited to have Dan Bolton, Kenly Bitton, Lance Cole, Brett Malingo, Erin Hale, Russ Winger, Quinnlan Moran, and Mike Weidner back on the water this season. Our guides will provide a top quality experience on the Clearwater that will provide memories that will last a life time. Call now to book your trip with Clearwater River Company, 1-866-846-4240 or visit our website at www.clearwaterrivercompany.com

There is a meeting this Friday to discuss the potential of a Coho Salmon season and possible changes to the Steelhead season. Stay tuned for more information…..

Tight Line~

Ryan Pitcher