Clearwater River Recreation Area

The Clearwater River has an international reputation as one of the best steelhead fisheries anywhere. The river and US 12 are part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Developed recreation sites are primarily for boating and fishing, with camping available in a few locations. Fishing for the large (12-15 pound average) ocean-run trout occurs annually between September 1 and April 15. Numerous boat and bank access sites are found along the river for the fisherman. You must use barbless hooks and you may only keep the fish with adipose fins clipped at the hatchery. Most paddlers float the fun and relatively easy stretch from Dworshak Reservoir. Foal Creek to Dworshak Reservoir is 37 miles and class IV rapids. Dworshack Reservoir to the Washington border is 41 miles and class I-III rapids.