Northern Idaho Fly Fishing Guide: Clearwater, St. Joe, Kelly Creek & More

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Clearwater (B-run steelhead)	Oct-Mar (peak Oct 15-Nov 9 C&R)	4,000-5,000 CFS ideal; 10-13 lb avg; largest in lower 48
St. Joe River	July-Sept	50-100 CFS ideal; native westslope cutthroat; 12-16" avg
Kelly Creek	July-Sept (road opens mid-July)	C&R only, barbless; double-digit fish days possible
Lochsa River	Aug-Oct	Wild & Scenic; native cutthroat only; Hwy 12 access
ID License	Required 14+	$98/season + $33 steelhead permit (non-res)
Road conditions	Call before Kelly Creek	North Fork Ranger: (208) 476-4541

Why Northern Idaho

Most fly fishers drive straight through the Idaho Panhandle on their way to Montana. That's a mistake.

Northern Idaho holds some of the last strongholds of native westslope cutthroat trout in the lower 48. The St. Joe River, designated Wild & Scenic for 66 miles, runs through roadless wilderness filled with cutthroat that have never seen a hatchery truck. Kelly Creek—Idaho's second catch-and-release water, protected since 1970—produces double-digit fish days of 12-16 inch cutthroat when conditions are right. And the Clearwater River system holds the largest summer-run steelhead south of the Canadian border—B-run fish that average 10-13 pounds and can exceed 20.

This is not destination fishing in the traditional sense. There are no famous fly shops on every corner, no guides with Instagram followings. What you'll find instead is wild water, abundant fish, and the kind of solitude that's increasingly rare in the West.

The trade-off: access requires planning. Some of the best water sits hours from the nearest town. Roads close seasonally. Runoff pushes well into June. But if you're willing to work for it, Northern Idaho offers some of the most authentic wild trout and steelhead fishing left in the country.

Idaho's Clearwater country—where the largest steelhead in the lower 48 still run

Getting There: Drive Times

Northern Idaho is remote. Plan your driving accordingly.

From	To Orofino	To Kelly Forks	To St. Maries	To Wallace
Spokane, WA	2.5-3 hours (145 mi)	4-5+ hours	1.5 hours (62 mi)	2.5 hours (115 mi)
Missoula, MT	4+ hours (175 mi)	5-6 hours	3.5 hours	2 hours
Boise, ID	5-6 hours (254 mi)	7+ hours	6+ hours	5.5 hours

Critical note for Highway 12: There are no services between Lowell and Powell—a 70-mile stretch. Fill up in Lowell. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent along most of this corridor.

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The Rivers at a Glance

River	Target Species	Best Season	Character
Clearwater River	Steelhead (B-run), rainbow, cutthroat	Oct-Mar (steelhead), June-July (trout)	Big water, spey fishing, 60+ miles accessible
St. Joe River	Westslope cutthroat	July-September	Wild & Scenic, roadless upper section
Selway River	Westslope cutthroat	Mid-June-September	Remote wilderness, permit required for float
Kelly Creek	Westslope cutthroat	July-September	Catch-and-release only, barbless hooks
North Fork Clearwater	Westslope cutthroat, bull trout	July-September	Barbless hooks, remote
North Fork Coeur d'Alene	Westslope cutthroat	July-November	Catch-and-release cutthroat, dry fly water
Lochsa River	Westslope cutthroat, steelhead	Aug-October (trout)	Wild & Scenic, Highway 12 access

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Clearwater River: B-Run Steelhead

The Clearwater is Idaho's premier steelhead fishery. Formed at the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers near Lowell, it flows 76 miles to join the Snake River at Lewiston. Highway 12 parallels the entire river, providing exceptional access—you can literally drive the road and stop when you see fishy-looking water.

Why B-Run Fish Matter

The Clearwater produces two distinct steelhead runs:

A-Run Fish (June-August arrival)

• 4-6 pounds average, 23-26 inches
• Spent one year in the ocean
• Present in the lower river August-September

B-Run Fish (Late August-September arrival, peak October)

• 10-13 pounds average, 31-34 inches
• Can exceed 20 pounds and 40 inches
• Spent 2-3 years in the ocean
• The largest steelhead in the lower 48 states

The B-run is why anglers travel here. These aren't your average steelhead—they're ocean-going rainbows that rival salmon in size and power. Local wisdom holds that the first 12 miles from the Snake confluence (95 Bridge to Casino section) hold the majority of fish, as steelhead stack up before pushing further upstream.

Reading Clearwater Flows

The Clearwater is big water. Summer flows run around 20,000 CFS during runoff—unfishable for most purposes. Optimal steelhead fishing happens when flows drop and stabilize in fall.

Flow (CFS) at Orofino	Conditions	What to Expect
Under 3,000	Low water	Some holes become too shallow; fish concentrated
4,000-5,000	Prime steelhead	Best visibility, fish active, ideal swing water
5,000-7,000	Good fishing	Standard fall conditions, fish holding in runs
Over 7,000	High flows	Water too fast for most productive holes
Over 20,000	Runoff	Summer conditions—wait for October

Check Clearwater River flows at Orofino for current conditions. October typically brings the magic window of 4,000-5,000 CFS with stable, clear water.

Named Runs and Specific Access

Unlike many Western rivers, the Clearwater doesn't have a detailed run-by-run breakdown publicly available. Local guides and experienced anglers know the specific holding water. What we can tell you:

Key Named Spots:

• Pink House Hole: Near Orofino, popular for side-drifting, good bank access
• McGill Hole: Productive for bobber fishing
• Big Eddy: Classic steelhead run
• 95 Bridge to Casino: Prime steelhead water—the first 12 miles from Lewiston
• Log Deck to Casino: Another productive stretch
• Flying J area: Near Snake confluence, boat access

Access Strategy: Eight boat ramps span the 60 miles from Orofino to Lewiston, spaced roughly 6 miles apart—perfect for half-day or full-day floats. The recommendation from local guides: "Drive Route 12 and stop when you see fishy-looking water." With the highway paralleling the river for 76 miles, you have countless pullouts and bank access points.

Clearwater Float Times

Guided steelhead floats typically run 7-9 hours, departing between 7-9 AM depending on conditions. With boat ramps every 6 miles, you can customize your float length:

Float Type	Distance	Time	Notes
Half-day drift	6-8 miles	4-5 hours	One ramp to the next
Full-day drift	12-15 miles	7-9 hours	Standard guided trip
Multi-ramp day	18+ miles	8+ hours	Long day, experienced anglers

The Clearwater's moderate gradient and consistent depth make it excellent drift boat water. Jet boats also run the entire stretch year-round.

Clearwater Steelhead Seasons

Period	Regulations	Notes
July (catch-and-release)	C&R only	Early A-run fish arriving
August-October 14	2 fish limit (adipose-clipped only)	B-run peak October
October 15-November 9	Catch-and-release only	Prime B-run fishing
November 10-December	2 fish limit	Late season
January 15-February 28	Open	Best winter steelhead fishery in the US

Important: Only adipose-clipped (hatchery) steelhead may be harvested. Wild fish must be released. Barbless hooks required throughout the Clearwater drainage.

Steelhead Techniques

Spey Fishing (Preferred Method)

The Clearwater is spey country. The broad, shallow runs and consistent depths favor two-handed rods and swung flies.

• Rod: 13-foot 7-weight is standard; 14-15 footers common
• Line: Floating line most of the time—the Clearwater is often shallower than it looks
• Setup: Scandi-style long belly floating line with floating leader
• Sink tips: Float-T8 or T11 MOW tips for deeper runs; avoid heavy tips that eliminate good swing water
• Winter: Intermediate Skagit heads for slower, deeper presentations

Fly Selection

• Sizes: 4-6 most situations, size 8 in very clear water
• Patterns: Green Butt Skunks, Undertakers, Blue Charms, Steelhead Coachmans, Purple Perils
• Surface flies: Bombers, Morrish Tube Skater, Ska Opper
• Default: When in doubt, use purple

The Clearwater Secret: This river is famous for bringing steelhead to the surface—even in winter. Waking flies and skaters can produce when fish are active. Don't be afraid to throw surface patterns even in cold conditions.

Trout Fishing

Don't overlook the Clearwater for trout. Rainbows and cutthroat are available from late May through mid-July, and again mid-September through October. During July and August, warm water (can reach 60°F+) pushes trout into the cooler Lochsa and Selway tributaries.

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St. Joe River: Wild Cutthroat

The St. Joe is a blue-ribbon fishery for native westslope cutthroat, with 66.3 miles designated Wild & Scenic. The lower section (39.7 miles) is accessible by road; the upper wild section (26.6 miles) requires hiking. Locals call it "The Shadowy Joe" for the dense cedar forests that shade much of the river.

Character

This is classic northern Rocky Mountain freestone—cold, clear water tumbling through old-growth cedar forests. The St. Joe runs through some of the most remote country in the lower 48. Average cutthroat run 12-16 inches, with fish over 20 inches possible in the wilder upper reaches.

The fish are native westslope cutthroat—identifiable by the distinctive red-orange slash below the jaw. These are wild fish with no hatchery influence, making them both special and worth protecting.

Reading St. Joe Flows

Flow (CFS) at Calder	Conditions	What to Expect
Under 50	Very low	Technical fishing, fish concentrated in pools
50-100	Excellent	Prime wade conditions, fish spread through runs
100-200	Good	Comfortable wading, higher water
200-500	Elevated	Wade edges only, focus on slower water
Over 500	High/runoff	Wait for drop

Check St. Joe River flows at Calder for current conditions. Around 90 CFS is ideal for walk-and-wade fishing.

Access

St. Joe River Scenic Byway (Highway 50) runs 89 miles from St. Maries to the Montana state line, providing the primary access corridor.

Key Access Points:

• Shadowy St. Joe Campground: 10.6 miles from St. Maries, boat launch, motorized boats allowed, $5 day-use
• Huckleberry Campground: 29 miles east of St. Maries, non-motorized boat ramp, central location between Calder and Avery
• Calder: Boat ramp, common take-out for guided float trips
• Avery: Access to upper river, end of regularly maintained road
• Spruce Tree Campground: Trailhead for hiking access to wild section

Float Times and Distances

Section	Distance	Time	Notes
Calder to Shadowy St. Joe	12-16 miles	7-9 hours	Full day guided float
Avery to St. Joe City	5-15 miles	Varies	Depending on water levels
Packsaddle to St. Joe City	38 miles	2+ days	Multi-day trip

Commercial guided floats typically meet at the Calder boat ramp (90 minutes from Coeur d'Alene) between 7-9 AM and are off the water by 3-6 PM.

The Wild Section: The upper 26.6 miles is roadless wilderness. Access requires hiking from Spruce Tree Campground upstream. This is where you'll find the biggest cutthroat and the most solitude—but plan for a multi-day trip.

Regulations

• Trout limit: 6 fish
• NO harvest of any trout with red or orange slash below jaw (protects native cutthroat)
• Check current Idaho regulations for any special restrictions

Best Flies for St. Joe Cutthroat

Pattern	Size	When
Stimulator	8-12	June-September
Elk Hair Caddis	12-16	Year-round
Parachute Adams	14-18	Year-round
Chubby Chernobyl	8-12	July-September
Royal Wulff	12-16	Attractor dry
Hare's Ear Nymph	12-16	Year-round
Prince Nymph	12-16	Year-round
Hopper patterns	8-12	August-September

Tip: St. Joe cutthroat are aggressive dry fly eaters. Start with a Stimulator or Chubby and work down if needed. Don't overlook the near bank—many anglers wade in and cast across, missing fish holding close to shore.

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Kelly Creek: Remote Cutthroat Fishing

Kelly Creek may be Idaho's best-kept secret. Designated catch-and-release in 1970—only the second such designation in the state—this 23-mile stream runs through the Clearwater National Forest and holds exceptional populations of native westslope cutthroat.

Why Kelly Creek

On good days, experienced anglers report double-digit fish counts. Cutthroat average 12-16 inches, with 20+ inch fish possible. The stream is wadeable, accessible by road for the first 10 miles, and the catch-and-release regulations have maintained robust fish populations for over 50 years.

That said, don't expect guaranteed success. Fish counts vary with conditions, pressure, and timing. The "15-20 fish days" you read about online represent good days with experienced anglers—not a baseline expectation.

Regulations (2025-2027)

• Catch-and-release ONLY for all trout
• No bait allowed
• Barbless hooks required
• Bull trout (threatened species) must be released immediately

These regulations are strictly enforced. Respect them—they're why the fishing is this good.

Access: The FR 250 Reality Check

Getting to Kelly Creek requires serious planning. This isn't a day trip from Spokane.

The Route: From Pierce, Idaho, take Forest Service Road 250 approximately 45-48 miles to Kelly Forks.

Road Conditions (CRITICAL—check before going):

• The last 31 miles to Kelly Forks cabin are narrow, dirt-surface, peppered with large ruts and rocks
• Travel can be very slow—budget extra time
• High-clearance vehicle recommended; 4WD helpful but not always necessary
• FR 250 through Black Canyon has experienced major avalanches and rock slides in recent years—sections may be impassable
• Spring debris slides frequently block the road

Seasonal Access:

• Hoodoo Pass typically doesn't open until mid-July due to snow
• Road usually closes again by late October
• Fishing season: Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through November 30

Alternative Access: If FR 250 from Pierce is closed, you can reach Kelly Creek via Superior, MT using FSR 255 through Deception Saddle—but this adds significant time and complexity.

CALL BEFORE YOU GO: North Fork Ranger District: (208) 476-4541 or (208) 476-8288. Get current road, campground, and trail conditions. Water levels and road access vary significantly year to year.

Cell Service: Expect no cell service at Kelly Forks or along most of FR 250. Plan accordingly.

Kelly Forks Base Camp

Kelly Forks Campground (14 sites) sits at the confluence with the North Fork Clearwater. This serves as base camp for most anglers. A campground host is present May-October.

Kelly Forks Cabin is available for year-round rental through the Forest Service—excellent for groups or winter access.

Upstream Access: The road parallels the first 10 miles of Kelly Creek from Kelly Forks. Beyond that, hiking trails provide access to upper sections where pressure drops significantly.

Kelly Creek Hatches

Hatch	Timing	Patterns
Salmonflies	Mid-June	Stimulators, Sofa Pillows (size 4-8)
Golden Stoneflies	Late June-July	Golden Stones (size 8-10)
Yellow Sallies	July-August	Yellow Sally dries (size 14-16)
PMDs	July-August	PMD Comparaduns (size 16)
Caddis	July-September	Elk Hair Caddis (size 10-14)
Tricos	August-September	Trico spinners (size 20-22)
BWOs	September-October	Blue Winged Olive (size 16-20)

Key Insight: Mid-June (when the road opens and salmonflies hatch) is prime time—big bugs bring big fish to the surface. But honestly, Kelly Creek fishes well all summer. An Elk Hair Caddis in size 12 will catch fish from July through September.

North Fork Clearwater (Nearby)

While you're in Kelly Creek country, don't pass by the North Fork Clearwater. This is spectacular water—readily wadeable, with excellent fish populations. Many fish exceed 15 inches.

North Fork Regulations:

• Barbless hooks required
• Sliding swivel devices required for weight
• Trout limit: 2 (no cutthroat under 14 inches, no bait)
• Season: Memorial Day weekend through November 30

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Lochsa River: Wild & Scenic Cutthroat

The Lochsa deserves more than a footnote. This Wild & Scenic river flows 70+ miles from the Bitterroot Range to join the Selway at Lowell, offering excellent cutthroat fishing and some of the most dramatic scenery in Idaho.

Character

The Lochsa holds native westslope cutthroat exclusively—no stocking, all wild fish. Typical size runs 10-15 inches, with occasional larger fish. The river fishes best in late summer and fall when flows drop and water clears.

Best Months: August, September, October—when water is low and clear. Spring runoff (through most of June in typical years, later in big snow years) makes the river unfishable for fly fishing.

Reading Lochsa Flows

Conditions	What to Expect
Peak runoff (May 15-June 15)	Unfishable for fly fishing
Late June-July	Dropping, may be wadeable by late July
August-October	Prime conditions—low, clear water

Note: The Lochsa is also a Class III-IV whitewater river with 60+ rapids, including 25 Class IV and 2 Class V rapids. Peak whitewater season is late May to mid-June—the opposite of prime fishing time.

Access Points (Highway 12 Mile Markers)

Highway 12 parallels the entire river, providing excellent access:

Access Point	Mile Marker	Notes
Knife Edge	Mile 107	River access, parking, bathrooms
Split Creek	Mile 111	Parking lot access
Fish Creek	Mile 119	Boat ramp, bathrooms, emergency call box
Wilderness Gateway	Mile 122	Campground, boat access
Nine Mile	Mile 130	Parking lot access
White Pine	Mile 138	Parking lot access

Campgrounds along Highway 12: Jerry Johnson, Wendover, Whitehouse, Powell

Powell Area

Powell (off Highway 12, 13 miles west of Lolo Pass) offers the only services in this stretch:

• Lochsa Lodge: Restaurant, tavern, fuel, general store, showers
• Powell Campground: Sites with electrical hookups (15/30/50 amp), vault toilets, drinking water

Tributaries: Warm Springs Creek, White Sand Creek, and Killed Colt Creek receive less pressure than the main stem and hold plenty of cutthroat. Worth exploring if you want solitude.

Regulations

• Above Wilderness Gateway Bridge: Catch-and-release only
• Species: Westslope cutthroat, plus salmon and steelhead (different regulations)
• Best approach: Stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis in July-August; PMDs and BWOs in fall

Westslope cutthroat—the native trout that define Northern Idaho fishing

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Selway River: Wilderness Cutthroat

The Selway is the crown jewel of Northern Idaho wilderness fishing—and the hardest to access. This 100-mile river flows through the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, one of the most remote areas in the lower 48. If you're willing to work for it (and win a permit lottery), the Selway offers wild westslope cutthroat in the 16-20 inch range with almost no fishing pressure.

Why the Selway is Different

Most Northern Idaho rivers are accessible by road. The Selway is not. The fishable wilderness section runs 47 miles from Paradise to Selway Falls, with no road access anywhere along the way. This remoteness means:

• Fish that see very few anglers
• Wild westslope cutthroat averaging larger than other regional streams
• A true wilderness experience with grizzlies, wolves, and Class IV whitewater
• Significant planning and permit requirements

Access Options

Option 1: Selway Falls Road Corridor (Walk-and-Wade)

The only road-accessible fishing is along Forest Road 223, which runs 21 miles from Lowell to Selway Falls. This corridor offers:

• 13 campgrounds with river access
• Rackliff Campground: 6 campsites directly on the river
• Boyd Creek Campground: 5 sites with river access
• Best wade fishing spots are near Selway Falls at the upper end

Important closure: The section from Selway Falls cable car upstream to Selway Falls Bridge at Meadow Creek is closed to fishing. Wade fishing focuses on the section downstream of the cable car.

Option 2: Multi-Day Wilderness Float (Permit Required)

The 47-mile wilderness section requires a permit during the control season (May 15 - July 31). This is one of the hardest river permits to obtain in the West:

• Only one launch per day (maximum 16 people)
• Lottery application: December 1 - January 31 via Recreation.gov
• Application fee: $6 (non-refundable)
• Trip duration: 4-6 days typically
• Difficulty: Class III-IV whitewater with Class V rapids at high water

If you don't win the lottery, four permitted outfitters offer commercial trips. Expect 5-6 day trips with significant cost.

Outside permit season: You can float without a permit before May 15 or after August 1, but spring conditions are extremely dangerous (cold water, high flows, Class V rapids) and August water may be too low.

Regulations

• Barbless hooks required
• Artificial flies and lures only (no bait except maggots during winter C&R season)
• December 1 - Friday before Memorial Day: Catch-and-release only
• Memorial Day weekend - November 30: 2 fish limit, none under 14 inches
• Bull trout: Must be released immediately

Selway Hatches

Hatch	Timing	Notes
Skwalas	May	Season opener
Salmonflies/Golden Stones	Mid-June	Big dry fly action
Hoppers	July	Prime time
PMDs/Caddis	July-August	Evening hatches
October Caddis	September-October	Season closer

Selway-Specific Hazards

Rattlesnakes: The Selway drainage has significantly more rattlesnakes than the Lochsa. Some anglers report seeing more rattlesnakes on a single Selway trip than on all other river trips combined. Watch where you step and where you put your hands.

Remoteness: If something goes wrong on a wilderness float, you're days from help. Flipped rafts have traveled 15 miles downstream before recovery. Everyone in your group needs swift water rescue skills and survival knowledge.

Whitewater: The "Moose Juice" section below Moose Creek features continuous Class IV/V rapids at high water. Selway Falls itself is Class VI—don't miss the take-out.

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North Fork Coeur d'Alene: Accessible Dry Fly Water

The North Fork Coeur d'Alene delivers excellent cutthroat fishing in a more accessible setting than the remote Clearwater tributaries. Located 40 minutes from Coeur d'Alene city, this is your best option if you want quality fishing without committing to a multi-hour drive on forest roads.

Regulations

Above Yellow Dog Creek:

• No bait fishing
• Barbless hooks required
• Catch-and-release only for westslope cutthroat
• Season: July 1 through November 30

Character

The North Fork runs clear and cold through forested canyon country. Cutthroat average 9-12 inches, with fish to 21 inches reported. The special regulations have maintained healthy populations—these are wild fish in wild water.

Hatch Chart

Hatch	Timing	Notes
Skwala Stones	March-April	Pre-runoff, famous hatch
March Browns	March-April	Mixed with Skwalas
BWOs	March-May, Sept-Oct	Overcast days best
Salmonflies	Mid-June	Water must reach 54-56°F to trigger
Golden Stones	Late June-July	1-2 weeks after salmonflies
Green Drakes	May-June	Sporadic but excellent when they happen
PMDs	June-August	Morning/evening
Caddis	June-September	Evening hatches strong
October Caddis	Sept-October	Famous hatch—large orange patterns essential

October Caddis Note: The fall October Caddis hatch is legendary on North Idaho streams. These large, orange insects trigger aggressive feeding. Size 8-10 orange Stimulators or dedicated October Caddis patterns are must-haves for fall fishing.

Access

• Upper reaches via Highway 4 from Wallace
• ROW Adventure Center offers float and walk-wade trips
• Silver Bow Fly Shop provides guided trips (partner ROW permitted for floats through June)
• Multiple pullouts along the road

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Hazards and Safety

Northern Idaho fishing often means remote conditions. Take these hazards seriously.

Cold Water and Hypothermia

All Northern Idaho rivers run cold—typically 50-60°F even in summer, colder during runoff. Cold water wicks body heat 25 times faster than air at the same temperature. Hypothermia can occur in as little as 10 minutes in cold water, even among strong swimmers.

Spring runoff (May-June) is especially dangerous: high flows combined with snowmelt-cold water create life-threatening conditions. High water and cold water together have killed anglers.

Precautions:

• Always wear a wading belt cinched tight
• Carry a change of clothes in a dry bag
• Fish with a partner in remote areas
• Know the signs of hypothermia
• Wear a PFD when floating—80-90% of Idaho drownings involve victims not wearing life jackets

Wildlife

Grizzly bears have returned to the Kelly Creek and Lochsa/Selway drainages for the first time since 1946. This is grizzly country—carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while moving through brush. Store food properly.

Black bears, moose, elk, and wolves are also common throughout the region.

Rattlesnakes: Common in the Selway drainage. The Lochsa is nearly rattlesnake-free. Rattlesnakes become less common as you move down the Clearwater toward Lewiston, though some presence remains in the lower river area.

Remote Access and Emergency Services

Kelly Creek and the Lochsa corridor are extremely remote. Cell service is unavailable for most of these areas. The nearest hospital is:

• Clearwater Valley Hospital (Orofino): 301 Cedar Street—Level 4 Trauma designation
• Clearwater Valley Kooskia Clinic: 201 Thenon St, Kooskia (208-926-7801)

Plan for self-rescue: Carry a satellite communicator (InReach, Zoleo, etc.) if fishing remote water. Know basic first aid. Tell someone your float plan and expected return time.

Road Hazards

• FR 250 to Kelly Creek can have major slide damage, large potholes, and rough surfaces—check conditions before driving
• Highway 12 is winding and can be icy or snow-covered in fall/winter
• No services between Lowell and Powell (70 miles)—fill up on gas and bring supplies

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Seasonal Planning

When to Fish What

Month	Best Options	Notes
March-April	North Fork CDA (Skwalas)	Pre-runoff window, weather dependent
May	Limited options	Heavy runoff on most waters
June	Upper Clearwater tributaries	Runoff subsiding, salmonflies starting mid-month
July	Kelly Creek, St. Joe, Lochsa (late)	Prime cutthroat season begins
August	Kelly Creek, St. Joe, N.Fork CDA, Lochsa	Peak dry fly fishing
September	All cutthroat waters, early steelhead	Fish still active, October Caddis begins
October	Clearwater (B-run steelhead)	Prime steelhead, flows optimal at 4,000-5,000 CFS
November-December	Clearwater steelhead	Late season, weather dependent
January-February	Clearwater steelhead	Best winter steelhead in the US

Weather Considerations

Northern Idaho has real weather. Plan accordingly:

• Summer: Days 70s-80s, nights can drop to 40s even in August
• Fall: Cold fronts common, prepare for rain/snow by October
• Winter steelhead season: Below freezing, snow likely, ice possible on slower water
• Access: FR 250 to Kelly Creek typically doesn't open until mid-July; closes by late October

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Licenses and Regulations

Idaho License Requirements

• Fishing license: Required for all anglers 14+
• Salmon/Steelhead Permit: Required in addition to fishing license for steelhead
• Available online through Idaho Fish and Game

Non-resident costs (2025):

• 1-day license: ~$17
• 3-day license: ~$36
• Season license: ~$98
• Salmon/Steelhead Permit: ~$33

Key Regulations Summary

Water	Special Rules
Clearwater drainage	Barbless hooks required for salmon/steelhead
Kelly Creek	Catch-and-release only, no bait, barbless
North Fork CDA (above Yellow Dog Cr)	No bait, barbless, C&R cutthroat
St. Joe River	No harvest of slashed (cutthroat) trout
Lochsa (above Wilderness Gateway)	Catch-and-release only

Bull Trout: Listed as threatened. Must be released immediately if caught. No intentional fishing.

Always verify current regulations at Idaho Fish and Game.

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Fly Shops and Guide Services

Coeur d'Alene Area

Northwest Outfitters (Coeur d'Alene)

• Authorized Orvis dealer
• Guided trips on North Fork Coeur d'Alene
• Full fly shop with quality gear

Castaway Fly Fishing

• Established 1981
• 40+ years local experience
• Guides CDA River, Hayden Lake, Spokane River

Silver Bow Fly Shop

• North Fork CDA guided trips
• Partner ROW Outfitters permitted for floats through June

Fins & Feathers

• Established 1984
• Lake Pend Oreille, Priest Lake specialists
• Salmon/steelhead on Columbia and Snake

Wallace Area

Wallace Fly Shop

• Full service shop between CDA and Montana
• Guides Clark Fork, North Fork CDA, St. Joe, St. Regis
• Float, river, and walk-wade trips

Moscow Area

White Pine Outfitters

• Retail in Moscow
• Owner Tyler Nash guides St. Joe River
• Also offers upland birds and whitewater

Lewiston/Orofino (Clearwater Steelhead)

North40 Outfitters

• Shops in Lewiston, Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene
• Clearwater, CDA, St. Joe guides

Guide Pricing (Typical)

Trip Type	Price Range
Half-day wade	$300-400
Full-day wade	$450-550
Full-day float (steelhead)	$500-700

Includes equipment and flies. Gratuity (15-20%) customary.

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Lodging Options

Orofino (Clearwater Steelhead Base)

Best Western Lodge at River's Edge

• On the Clearwater River
• Fish cleaning room, pool
• Complimentary breakfast

Helgeson Hotel & Suites

• Historic hotel (built 1925), downtown
• 20 suites with full kitchens

Konkolville Motel

• Budget-friendly, locally owned
• 3 miles from downtown

Kelly Creek Area

Kelly Forks Campground

• 14 sites, campground host
• May 9 - October 14
• Reservations recommended in peak season

Kelly Forks Cabin

• Year-round rental through Forest Service
• Full cabin amenities in remote setting

Dispersed Camping

• National Forest land allows primitive camping
• Pack in/pack out, no potable water

Lochsa Corridor

Lochsa Lodge (Powell)

• Restaurant, tavern, fuel, general store
• Basic rooms and cabins available

Powell Campground

• Sites with electrical hookups
• Walking distance to Lochsa Lodge services

Coeur d'Alene

Multiple hotels and vacation rentals. 40-minute drive to North Fork CDA fishing.

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Essential Flies

Cutthroat Trout Box

Pattern	Sizes	Purpose
Stimulator (yellow/orange)	8-12	Stonefly adult, attractor
Elk Hair Caddis	10-14	All-purpose caddis
Parachute Adams	14-18	Mayfly imitation
Chubby Chernobyl	8-12	Attractor, hopper
Royal Wulff	12-16	High-vis attractor
PMD Comparadun	16	Pale morning dun
BWO	16-20	Blue winged olive
October Caddis	8-10	Fall essential
Hare's Ear Nymph	12-16	General nymph
Prince Nymph	12-16	Attractor nymph
Hopper	8-12	August-September

Steelhead Box (Clearwater)

Pattern	Sizes	Notes
Green Butt Skunk	4-6	Classic producer
Purple Peril	4-6	When in doubt, purple
Blue Charm	4-6	Traditional hairwing
Undertaker	4-6	Dark water
Intruder (various)	2-6	Articulated option
Bomber	4-6	Surface/waking
Morrish Tube Skater	4-6	Surface presentation
October Caddis Skater	6-8	Fall surface

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Fire and Access Alerts

Northern Idaho fire season (July-October) can affect access and fishing conditions.

Check before you go:

• Idaho Fish and Game Fire Information
• Idaho Panhandle National Forest Alerts
• North Fork Ranger District: (208) 476-4541—call for FR 250 conditions

Wildfire smoke can impact fishing—low-light conditions may improve dry fly fishing, but heavy smoke can suppress insect activity and make conditions unpleasant.

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What to Pack: Remote Idaho Checklist

Northern Idaho fishing often means being hours from help. Pack accordingly.

Safety Essentials

• Satellite communicator (InReach, Zoleo, SPOT)—no cell service in most areas
• Bear spray—grizzlies have returned to Kelly Creek and Lochsa/Selway drainages
• First aid kit with emergency blanket
• Wading belt—cinch it tight, always
• Change of clothes in dry bag—hypothermia is real
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Fire starter and emergency shelter

Vehicle & Logistics

• Full tank of gas before leaving Lowell (70 miles to Powell with no services)
• Extra fuel for FR 250 to Kelly Creek (no services for 100+ miles)
• High-clearance vehicle for Kelly Creek access (4WD helpful)
• Paper maps—GPS may not have forest road detail
• Spare tire and basic tools
• Food and water for longer than planned (roads can close unexpectedly)

Fishing Gear Additions

• Wading staff—slick rocks, cold water
• Polarized sunglasses (spares recommended)
• Rain gear—weather changes fast
• Warm layers even in summer (nights drop to 40s)

Before You Leave

• Call North Fork Ranger District: (208) 476-4541 for FR 250 road conditions
• Check Idaho Fish and Game fire closures
• Tell someone your float plan and expected return
• Verify current regulations at IDFG

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Quick Reference

Water	Type	Best For	Difficulty	Access
Clearwater River	Large freestone	Steelhead (B-run)	Intermediate-Advanced	Highway 12, excellent
St. Joe River	Freestone, Wild & Scenic	Native cutthroat	Beginner-Intermediate	Highway 50
Selway River	Wilderness freestone	Large cutthroat	Advanced (permit required for float)	FR 223 or wilderness permit
Kelly Creek	Small freestone	C&R cutthroat	Beginner-Intermediate	FR 250 (remote, check conditions)
North Fork Clearwater	Freestone	Cutthroat	Intermediate	FR 250
North Fork CDA	Freestone	Cutthroat, dry fly	Beginner-Intermediate	Highway 4
Lochsa River	Wild & Scenic	Cutthroat	Intermediate	Highway 12

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