Fly Reels
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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Home to the B-run, among the largest steelhead in the Columbia Basin, from fall through spring.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Clearwater River for rainbow trout and steelhead. The best months overall are Sep to Jun. In October, rainbow trout and steelhead are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 5 shops within 60 miles (2 fly, 3 bait and tackle); the closest is House of Fly - Lewiston Fly Shop in Lewiston, 10 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Lake Coeur d'Alene is 75 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Sep to Jun
In October
Rainbow Trout, Steelhead
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Clearwater River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
12 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Steelhead, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Steelhead, Rainbow Trout · Indicator rig.
Shop This FlyParachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Rainbow Trout · Overcast days.
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyHare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlySan Juan Worm #10-14
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout · After rain.
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyIntruder 2 to 4 in
FlyStreamer · Steelhead · Swung on a spey rod.
Shop This FlyEgg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer · Steelhead
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Steelhead, Rainbow Trout
Shop This LureCured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
BaitNatural Bait · Steelhead · Where bait is legal.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Rainbow Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.
Steelhead
Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Clearwater River
Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
Check PriceLeaders & Tippet
RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Clearwater River
Bait & Tackle
Guide Shop Clearwater Drifters
Orofino, Idaho· 22 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Orofino, ID.
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Lakes & Reservoirs · Idaho · 75 mi
Lake Coeur d'Alene
Deep Panhandle lake with smallmouth, bass, and cutthroat.
Smallmouth bass · Largemouth bass · Rainbow trout
Rivers & Streams · Idaho · 76 mi
Main Salmon River
Wild and Scenic river through the Frank Church wilderness. Fall steelhead and Chinook.
Steelhead · Chinook salmon · Rainbow trout