You can find river reports for the Clearwater and Grande Ronde from Twin River Anglers at
http://www.traflyfish.com/rivers/idaho/clear.htm
http://www.traflyfish.com/rivers/washing/g_ronde.htm
Steelhead counts at Lower Granite are looking good with about 2 weeks worth of 700+ fish/day counts. It usually takes a week or so (give or take some to account for flows and water temps) before they get up to the Clearwater. Dworshak just recently stopped augmentation flows so my guess is that the fish (A-run steelhead) will be in the lower Clearwater (Hwy12 bridge to the Memorial Bridge in Lewiston). There are plenty of angler access points as you drive along Hwy12. I haven't heard any reports on the Grande Ronde but my guess is stay near the confluence for your best bet. Last weeks rain may favor this river over the Clearwater now that Dworshak has dropped its flows. Flies? Green-butt Skunks, Green Lanterns, Purple Perils, and the ever favorite topwater Bombers and Fall Favorites will do nicely, #6-8 steelhead hooks. If in doubt use something purple. Don't forget for the Clearwater you will need an ID license AND steelhead tag which you have to buy separately. For the Grande Ronde you'll only need a WA license (steelhead card is included). Both are single barbless hooks, C&R. http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/regulations/fish/fish.htm
If you get a chance stop in and say hi to Joe Norton at Twin River Anglers up on Thain Grade Rd or Mark Lamb at the Traditional Sportmans shop in downtown Lewiston. Both are good guys and will give you the latest info.
Cheers, Tim Moscow, Idaho
At 04:05 PM 9/20/03 -0600, you wrote:
Hey, I'm going steelhead fishing on the Clearwater River in Northern Idaho in about two weeks. Has anybody ever fished the Clearwater? I'm looking for some good patterns to tie up. Also could use any information on the fishing, techniques, places, etc... Eric Meredith http://fishparadise.tripod.com [EMAIL PROTECTED]
