Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide near Lewiston, Idaho and the confluence of the Snake River

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Orvis-Endorsed Fly Fishing Guide near Lewiston, Idaho and the confluence of the Snake River

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Buddy Wright

Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate


Phone icon(503) 956-5596 Email iconbvwright13@gmail.com Link iconclearwatersyndicate.com
Orofino, Idaho

Item #3MJX0000

The Story

Here at the Clearwater Steelhead Syndicate, the tight line grab of a steelhead drives us. We focus on providing an unforgettable experience for the angler looking to challenge themselves for one of the greatest rewards this sport has to offer. Stepping through one of the Clearwater’s long, picturesque runs in hopes of contacting one of these large and special steelhead is a dream come true. The fish may not always come easy, but we love the pursuit, and we try every day to put our guests in the best possible position to catch a fish of a lifetime.

Idaho B Run Steelhead here have earned the respect and reputation amongst anglers around the world for their size, strength, and willingness to come to the surface for a fly. We specialize in targeting these fish with spey rods and floating lines. For us, getting grabs near or on the surface while targeting steelhead is one of the pinnacles of fly fishing.

It is not uncommon for us to see fish throughout a season exceeding 15 pounds and stretching 36-40 inches. This river produces the largest strain of steelhead in the lower 48, and steelheaders from far and wide come each season to try to catch them. Due to our relatively mild climate and low elevation, we can target these fish for a long season that stretches from hot summer months, through the colorful fall, and straight through winter. The famous Idaho B Run Steelhead are available here throughout the entire year.

Highlights

  • Steelhead
  • The beautiful and world-famous Clearwater River
  • Target some the largest steelhead in the world
  • Season opens July 1 and goes through April

Orvis is pleased to offer our travel customers access to two valuable services: Global Rescue travel membership and IMG Signature Travel Insurance℠.

Learn More

Lodging Details

Best Western Hotel
(208) 476-9999
Conveniently located in the heart of the drainage, Orofino, Idaho. Has a restaurant attached and beautiful river front views. Walking distance from food, bars and the river.

Hearthstone Lodge
(208) 935-1492
A little more remote and luxurious, located in the upper reaches of the river near the town of Kamiah. This lodge is located out of town and is a quiet and authentic. It also offers complimentary breakfasts at the cafe in Kamiah.

Your Time With Us

A typical day begins at a boat ramp where guests can wader up and guides will rig rods. From there you will get a full day of leisure floating between runs and standing waist deep in the Clearwater River. We do not fish from the boats so sit back and enjoy the views and wildlife.

Depending on the section of river your guide chooses, you could be stopping and fishing 5-10 runs. A riverside lunch if supplied by our guides with waters. Clients can bring their own alcohol if they choose. A shuttle will be organized, and the guide will give you a ride back to your vehicle at the end of the day.

Region

The Clearwater is a big, beautiful river that offers the steelhead angler opportunities to target large steelhead with dry lines. The river has an endless amount of swinging water from shallow quick rifles to large deep pools and flat, calm tail outs. The fishable section of the river begins upstream of Lewiston (almost 76 miles) where the river winds through forested canyons and exposed bedrock. There, the river has lots of structure and many unique lies for fish to rest in. The river continues down through Orofino where it joins the North Fork, where crystal clear and consistently cold water enters the system. From there, the forest gradually gives way to a grassy desert scape and the bedrock turns into endless cobblestone bars where a person can swing endlessly in classic steelhead runs. There is an incredible amount of diversity in this river system, and it could take a lifetime for one to cover all these pieces of water.

Can I bring my single hand rod and fish from the boat between runs?

No. We are a swing specific guide service, and we want to optimize every moment of every day swinging flies and giving ourselves the best chance to get THE GRAB.


How is the wading? Should I bring studs for my boots? Should I bring a wading staff?

Wading on the Clearwater can be challenging for some guests, but our guides know how to tailor the day and the runs to each individual angler and their wading/casting ability. Feel free to bring studs for your boots and we all recommend having a wading staff.


Can I keep fish?

We are not set up to retain fish in our coolers due to limited space. We also want as many steelhead as possible to have the ability to reproduce to keep this fishery alive and well for generations to come.


Do you need to cast far to catch fish on the Clearwater?

Absolutely not! Over half of the fish we hook throughout a season are within 50 feet of the bank. And a fair number of fish are caught within a rod length of the bank. Casting well is much more important than casting far.


What is the best time of year to come fish for steelhead?

Anytime you are in the river you could experience the best fishing day of your life. The fish start to arrive in July and continue to come into the system in good numbers all the way through the winter. This system is not a season specific fishery.

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