Report Date: 12/14/11

Fishing over the past few weeks has been fairly consistent.  Our guides have been averaging 5 to 7 opportunities at fish a trip.  This is actually really good fishing considering the Clearwater is flowing low and clear and has been for the last three weeks.  We have been having the most success back trolling diver and shrimp.  This combination lets us work holes at a very slow pace giving fish plenty of time to see the bait.  Fishing slow is the most critical component to success during periods of low, clear, and cold flows.  When conditions are like what we are currently dealing with the skill of the angler or guide really makes the difference during a day’s fishing.   Success hinges on knowing exactly where in a hole fish are holding.  This kind of knowledge only comes from countless days on the water. 

Anglers looking for success during the cold, low water periods on the Clearwater should focus on two particular methods of fishing, float and jig/bait or diver and Bait.  Both of these methods allow anglers to focus on individual holding areas within a particular hole.  These methods also allow anglers to fish extremely slow and methodical; giving fish all the time they need to react to your presentation.   The types of water we look for during these current conditions are the deepest slowest portion of pools.  These are the areas that cold water steelhead most prefer because it affords them the ability to not have to expend much energy to stay in one area.

Success can be had during cold periods by making a few small adjustments to your fishing style and concentrating on the correct holding areas.  Remember to fish you bait slow and low.

Report Date 11/30/11

Fishing over the past week has improved greatly over the previous week or so.  During the past week day and night time temperatures rose and this stabilized the water temperatures in the lower 40’s.  Our guides were consistently putting clients on fish throughout the holiday week.  Most fish were hooked side drifting bait or back trolling plugs/diver and bait combinations.  During this time of year slowing down the presentation via back trolling seems to have the highest success.

We also heard a few reports of fly anglers getting into some fish last week.  Most of the successful anglers are throwing sink tips and winter steelhead type flies.  During the cold weather months many fly anglers think that the prime time to swing a steelhead is over, but for a few of us diehards we realize that by slowing our presentations down and fishing near the bottom we can have some very good days swinging flies throughout the winter months.  A few of our guides are so dedicated to the swing that they choose to fish this way throughout the entire season (even during the indicator tossing spring season).

For next week the weather is calling for some cold clear nights and lower daytime highs.  This kind of weather can sometimes slow the fishing down some, but often some of our best fishing of the year is done during the coldest weather.  Our guides know the places fish hold when the weather gets cold.

Report Date 11.15.11

Last week we experienced our first winter cold front of the season, and as a result fishing was very slow.  Our guides managed a few fish, but to be honest fishing was very tough.  Most fish were caught side drifting large baits and back trolling diver and shrimp.  In our opinion most of the slow fishing was attributed to the rapid change in weather.  We went from decent fall weather to winter rain/snow in a matter of only a few days. 

Success for fly anglers was very limited last week with most of the action coming from guys throwing sink tips and some larger winter type steelhead patterns.  When the water gets cold it seems the fish need a little extra coaxing to get them to move to a fly.  Our favorite patters during the colder late fall flows are big marabou and bunny leach varieties.  Black and pink seem to be two of the most dominate color patterns that produce fish through the colder months. 

For next week we will see continued weather rolling in and out of the area.  I think that this will only improve fishing conditions.  Rain is forecast for the Orofino area for most of the week.  Rain and wet weather mean the river should come up some which will improve fishing.  The biggest key to success during tough fishing conditions is to fish hard and remember that these are steelhead and part of the allure of fishing for steelhead is that they are difficult to catch. 

Clearwater fishing report for 11.7.11

Fishing slowed slightly during the past week.  Cold clear nights combined with snow falling in the high country dropped water temps into the low 44-39 degree range.  Because water temps fell quickly in the upper river fishing was a little slower than we would have liked over the weekend.  With that in mind our guides were able to make the adjustment to consistently put our clients into fish.  While the fish were a little more reluctant to bite our guide’s knowledge of how the river responds to different water conditions was the key to success.  We slowed things down and fished a little more methodical and were handsomely rewarded with large Clearwater B-Run steelhead. 

Gear anglers continued to have the most success side drifting bait and back trolling plugs/diver and bait combination.  Like I said above the key to success was to slow things down and methodically work the water we knew held fish.  When water temps begin to cool down steelhead wont move as far to attack a well presented offering, at this point the skill of the angler or guide really comes into play because putting you bait or lure precisely into the steelhead lair is absolutely essential. 

For fly anglers success was limited.  With the current water temps anglers swinging with sink tips will produce the most fish.  This is not saying that some of the die hard floating line guys wont get a few, but when temps get into the low 40’s its time to bust out the tips.  Angles willing to fish their gear slow and low will consistently put more fish on the bank than the guys insisting on fishing the floating line.  With that said fishing style is dictated most by what makes the individual angler the happiest and not all fishing methods are for everyone, so do what makes your time on the water the most enjoyable to you, and let the steelhead gods decide the rest.

The weather for next week looks to be quite similar to last week.  As the fish get used to the colder water temps fishing should improve this week.  The end of the week is calling for some rain which might send a new push of fish up the river and improve fishing even more.

Report 11.1.11

Report Date: 11/1/11

Fishing over the last week remained very good on the Clearwater.  Although for some people fishing was hit or miss our guides consistently put fish in the boat for our clients.  Once again the two most productive methods were back trolling plugs and side drifting bait.  Fishing became a little more difficult toward the end of last week because we were in the middle of weather patterns and had some bright sunny days.  During days when the water was low and the sun was high we had most of our success during the first few hours of fishing and then again during the last few hours of daylight.  When we see these conditions it really pays to fish long hard days searching for the pool that is loaded with fish.

Fly anglers continued to have good success swinging wet flies on the dry line.  During the past week we had most of our hookups on patterns that resemble the many October caddis that hatch this time of year.  It really seemed like patterns that have some copper or a hint of orange produced the best.  Our favorite patters last week were muddler minnow variations with a hint of orange in them.  Still sizes 6-8 seemed to be the best. 

For this week look for fishing to be very good.  We had a really good rain on Sunday night and into Monday morning.  This weather dropped a lot of water and the river came up some and spiked today, Tuesday morning.  This is the pattern we really love!  It seems that every time we get some sort of spike in flows, no matter how small, that it really gets some fish moving and feeling aggressive.  Look for fishing to be very good into this upcoming weekend.  Gear anglers fishing from boats should look for side drifting and back trolling the produce the best results.  Remember that when looking for fish it really pays to know the water well so pick a section and learn it well.  I do not recommend chasing good fishing reports all over the river because by the time that you heard the fishing was good it’s too late.  Bank anglers will have the most success fishing bobber and jig presentations, and once again find water you like and learn it well.  Dedication to your craft will provide great results when you can get a section or hole super dialed in.

Fly angers still have a few good weeks to hook steelhead on a floating line in the Clearwater.  Our water temps have been slowly dropping which tends to keep us swinging on the floater longer into the fall than in years when water temps plummet quickly.  Look for anything that resembles an October caddis to produce well this next week.  As I have said before this is a game of casting and presenting you fly to as many fish as possible, but don’t forget to work the water close to you well.  Don’t be a guy who hucks it toward the middle of the river without working the close water first, as most of us who live here landed many fish with a single hander swinging well before we got into the obsessive spey world. 

10/25/11

Report Date: 10/25/11

Fishing over the past week remained really good.  Our gear guides averaged 5-8 fish landed during the week.  This is really good steelhead fishing.  During the week we saw the water drop and clear significantly, and this led to a few days were we had to work for our fish during parts of the day, but anytime you can go out and land 5-8 fish in a day of steelhead fishing it’s a great day on the water.  Our guides continue to have success side drifting bait as well as back trolling plugs and diver and bait combinations.  This time of year it is really all about picking which method you enjoy fishing the most and just going fishing. 

Fly anglers continued to have good success over the past week.  We have notice that most of our opportunities at fly caught steelhead have been from about noon to dark, this time frame also coincides with water temperatures being at their warmest which tends to make fish a little more active.  Most of our fish have come to our standard array of small (6-8) hair wings, but a pattern has been developing over the past few weeks, we are noticing that when the afternoon October caddis hatch is on the fish are reacting a little better to flies with a hint of orange to them.  Also quite a few fish were hooked last week on muddler minnow varieties in the same small sizes as we fish hair wings.  These muddlers fished just under the surface have a tendency to elicit some really aggressive grabs!

Fishing looks to continue to stay good through this week.  Water levels came up some today which should help get some fish moving.  Every time we see a small bump in flows it is usually followed by some really good fishing.   Side drifting bait and back trolling plugs and/ or diver and bait combinations will likely continue to see some of the best results for the boating anglers.  Bank anglers should stick to the always dependable bobber and jig set up as we have witnessed a few bank anglers picking them up on the jig.

For fly angers this current weather pattern that we are in of cold nights and decently warm days will mean that the best time during the day to swing flies will be from early afternoon until dark.  As water temps start to head toward the mid forties some guys may want to try swinging some light sink tips to help the fish not have to travel so far to take a fly.  With that said we have caught fish on a dry line with water temps in the upper thirties, so don’t get any ideas that dry line season may be nearing its end.  If swinging a dry line is your style then stick to it because you may be rewarded with the fish of a lifetime!

Its time

The Clearwater has dropped into its traditional low fall flows.  Currently Steelhead are going gang buster over Lower Granite dam!  I really don't know what could be better.  Its time to grab the spey rods, tie on a hairwing, wade in and enjoy!  This time of year is special have fun.

STEELHEAD TIME

After months of waiting and longingly staring at the Clearwater has paid off as the mighty steelhead has once again returned to its natal waters.  Steelhead are gracing us with their presence as we speak in the cold clear flows of the Lower Clearwater.  As you can tell I am more than a little excited.  This is my favorite time of year!!  Nothing beats swinging up a silver bullet with the spey rod!

The Clearwater is predicted to receive another good return, not as big as last year, but there will soon be plenty of large B- Run steelhead present for us to chaise.  Currently the lower river is starting to accumulate a decent number of the smaller A run fish that make up the beginning of the run.  I don't care weather they are A runs of B runs steelhead are fricken sweet. 

More springer porn!!!

Enjoying the Springers!

Spring Chinook season is one of my favorite times of the year.  What more is there not to love about hard pulling chrome bright springers?  Great fun and even better eating!  Here are a few picks for enjoyment

SPRINGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its on!! Not much else to say!

Springers are Coming!!!

For all of us patient Idaho anadromous anglers the time is nearing!  Springers are finally on there way and should be in catchable numbers on the Clearwater by the middle of next week.  To say the least I am very excited.

Hope to be posting some fresh chrome pictures here shortly!  I cant wait to eat that first springer of the year!!

In the mean time here is a pic from a few seasons ago

April is a Difficult Month

The month of April is a difficult month for an addicted anadromous fisher landlocked in the state of Idaho.  Most days are spent reminiscing about the past steelhead season and excitedly checking dam passage counts daily in the hopes that Spring Chinook will soon be here. 

This is the time of year when the fly gear goes into storage and is traded for heavy bait casting gear.  I continually have dreams in which i witness a plug rod explode in the holder as a pissed off hell bent springer tries to take me, my gear, and my boat back down to the Columbia.  I also find myself constantly looking ever so longingly into the bait freezer at the perfectly cured eggs waiting patiently to be cut into golf ball size clusters and force fed to mint bright Chinook.  Bring on springers cause I'm going nuts!!!!!

Pictures like this keeps my hopes up during time like these.

Our Clearwater Season is over

We have wrapped up our spring 2011 steelhead guide season, and I would like to thank the many wonderful folks that shared my boat with me during the season.  We had some really great days of catching and some days were the weather showed us who was boss, but it is my clients that make this dream of mine possible.  Thank you for your support!

At this time we are currently looking ahead to our fall 2011 season.  This is my favorite time of the year!  Fall on the Clearwater is a magical time and something that every angler needs to experience.  We start our fall guide season on September 15th and run through the end of the year.  For anglers looking to swing up a big B- Run on a fly the fall is your time of year.  The Clearwater is world famous for it amazing fall fishery!  We are currently taking bookings for the fall season and some of the prime times are going quick.  We have a full staff of fly and spey fishing guides that will share their expertise with you on our favorite river to make sure you have a quality experience.  You owe it to yourself to book a trip with Clearwater River Company!

Check out our website at www.clearwaterrivercompany.com

Thanks for looking

Kyle

Report for 3/7/11

Last Week:

Fishing and water conditions over the past week have been very sporadic, and lead to some inconsistent fishing results.  The first half of last week fished well for drift boat anglers on the upper river.  Conditions had fully recovered from the weekend cold snap and fishing was consistent through Thursday.  Things changed drastically on Friday morning when the lower half of the South Fork started pumping chocolate milk.  When this happened we were left with only a few miles of fishable water above the mouth of the South Fork.  Anglers that managed to find fish and secure good spots did well, but it was mostly an anchor and bobber fishing game. 

The lower river immediately below Orofino fished well for power boats over the weekend, but the water was just too high and pushy for any success to be had with a drift boat.  Fishing this time of year tends to be a little unpredictable due to the high variability in weather and water conditions. 

This Week: 

Fishing and river conditions will continue to be unpredictable over the coming week.  Rain is in the forecast for the entire week, and fishing will be entirely dependent on what the river does.  There is a ton of fish in the system and if high water holds off we should experienced great fishing over the next week or so.  During this time of year river conditions can become sporadic with the onset of warmer temperatures and spring time conditions.  Anglers should take a look at current flow charts before heading out.  All of this information is linked at the bottom of this page.

Report Date: 2/28/11

Last Week:

During the beginning of the week the Upper Clearwater was fishing great, but by the end of the week unseasonably cold temperatures slowed down the catching substantially.  Monday through Wednesday saw our guide’s consistently catching fish side drifting eggs on the upper river around Kamiah.  The severe winter weather that was predicted for the area seemed to stay just north of the Kamiah area for a few days.   We had really nice warm temperatures and blue sky, but by Thursday our luck ran out.  River temperatures dropped rapidly and the upper river was flowing slush by Saturday Morning.   Cold temps forced us to fish the lower River downstream of Orofino.  Catching was not great, but our guides managed to get multiple fish to the boat on both Saturday and Sunday.  The best bite of the day was between 1pm and dark.  This is often the case during cold weather periods. 

Next Week:

Day and nighttime temperatures are forecast to rise over the next week, and along with that we are supposed to get a decent amount of rain.  This warmer weather will clear the upper river of any ice and should once again lead to consistent catches in the upper river.  Fishing over the next week should be good.  Boat anglers should look to side drifting to produce the most consistent catches wile bank anglers should have continued success fishing float and jig/ bait combinations

Report for 2/14/11

Fishing remained consistent over the past week, although it was a little slower than the two previous weeks.  During the week river flows continued to drop at a slow pace and the river was clearing.  Fishing remained good in all portions of the Clearwater with most of our guides spending the majority of their time above Orofino, but we heard some great reports from downstream of Orofino.  The North Fork continued to pump out a large volume of water making this section of river difficult to fish from a Drift Boat.  Once again side drifting was the most consistent technique.

Report 2/8/11

Fishing over the past week continued to be really good!  Monday and Tuesday fished well on the upper river around Kamiah, but a cold front moved in and drastically dropped water temperatures and the river flowed slush ice on Wednesday, but warmer weather cleared the upper river by Saturday.  These conditions led us to concentrate on the river below the North Fork.  This section of river was on fire during the later part of the week.  We averaged 6 plus fish to the boat for two anglers!  Side drifting eggs was once again the most productive technique during the week.   We are into a great Spring season!  Now is the time to fish the Clearwater! 

Weekend Fishing

Fishing over the weekend was really good.  On Saturday my boat landed 8 of 11 fish hooked, with one client even landing a 40" 20# monster!  Not a whole lot more to add other than the river is currently fishing great and anyone interested in fishing should get in touch with us and check out our web page at http://www.clearwaterrivercompany.com.  This is going to be a great spring season!

1/26/11

The Clearwater is back!  After about a week of high dirty water the river fished well yesterday with me and a buddy going 6-7!  Although the river is still quite high, we were surprised by the quality of the fish we landed.  We landed two bucks that were in excess of 15 pounds that looked like they were fish from October.  Bright and full of vigor.  We found a few of our fish in spots we had never fished before, but let a few casts rip because they looked fishy.  In high water anglers should treat the river like a new beast and keep an open mind when looking to hook steelhead.  These fish could be anywhere and covering holes thoroughly is the key to success.

1/20/2011

I decided to take a drive down to the lower river this morning to get an idea of how it was rebounding from the blowout over the last weekend.  I was pleased to find out that although really high (salmon fishing flows), it fishable with about 3-three feet of visibility. 

Currently the flow at Spalding is right around 30,000 cfs, but with good visibility the river should kick out some fish.  Over the next few days it should improve even more.  Fishing during high water can be very different than fishing under normal flows.  To be successful anglers should concentrate on slower moving water near banks and obstructions.  While they might not look like much these calm pockets can hold quite a few fish at time.  Remember that during high, but fishable flows, steelhead will move like crazy.  Targeting these fish in their natural travel lanes can be very productive.  Plugs tend to shine in these conditions.  Anglers can backtroll plugs directly into the narrow slots near banks and cove the water very effectively.  Don't let high flow keep you off the river!  All it takes is thinking a little outside of the box and great success can be found!

Kyle Jones

Weekend Forcast

We are focasted to recieve a very substantial ammount of rain over the next week.  As much as 2-3 inches of rain are expected to fall during the next four days.  This rain is falling on snow, and will cause a substantial increase in river flows and turbidity. 

Based on past knowledge i think the river will be out of shape starting tomorrow, and will continue to be that way until the early to middle part of next week.  Once flow subside fishing should be really good, as high flows pull fish up river.  When "fresh" fish start moving into new holding lies they compete with fish that are already occupying those lies.  This leads to more aggressive behavior, and consequently better fishing.  If fish are jockeying for position with each other they are much more agitated and more likely to strike out at invaders, like flys and lures. 

Due to this flush look for the second half on January to fish very well.  We could very well see some of the best fishing of the year in the next few weeks.

January 4, 2011

Headed out to try and get my first steel of the new year swinging flys.  Weather and water temps were really cold.  Air temps barely over 30 degrees F and water temps hovering around 35 degrees F.  These are tough conditions for the steelhead fly fisher.  No players found today, but I take my lickings on my own terms, swinging for steelhead with a two handed fly rod.

This spring looks to be very promising!  We had a stellar fall and fishing remained really good well into December.  We typically start to warm up near the end on January.  This causes our fish to once again continue migrating up the river.  As water temps improve into the upper 30's and 40's we will see a major improvement in fishing!