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CLEARWATER & SNAKE RIVER FISHING REPORT
August 13, 2025
Week overview:
Well, it’s still definitely Summer. We had some high temps to start the week but after the midweek mark we see some cooling. There is also a slight chance of much needed precipitation over the weekend across our fisheries. With cooler temps and low pressure coming, the trout should be happier. In addition to the heat, the water continues to drop. Be sure to pick your days for trout (especially for day trips) and be sure to take a thermometer with you and get a good a read on the water. Seek out the coldest water you can find and if you can, find water that is shaded for the entire day or most of the day. Trout are more likely to be in these zones rather than the low, sunny, hotter water.
https://flyproject.us/blog/top-seven-summer-smallmouth-patterns
Steelhead Update:
The counts continue to roll in stronger! It’s looking like steelhead season may come with a few more fish this year. The Clearwater is open and the swing is on. Year to date (8/13/25), we have seen 95,147 total steelhead over Bonneville and roughly 6,074 total steelhead over Lower Granite. While there are not a ton of fish in the system yet, you can still go seek out those early fish on the surface with a skater or swing any of your favorite smaller traditional Atlantic salmon patterns. This is truly one of the most enjoyable times of the year to swing the CW. The weather is nice, the casting is easy, and the fish are looking up. In the shop we love the Ska Opper, Skatin’ Fool, Steel Plow, and the Morrish Tube Skater. If you want to swing a more traditional wet fly you can’t beat an Undertaker, Green Butt Skunk, Blue Charm, or Macks Canyon. Reach for smaller sizes like #6-#8’s.
Bass and Carp
Snake:
22,000 cfs at Anatone –
The Carp are active on the flats. Hybrids, Detroit Mop City, and the Carp Carrot are great patterns to work with right now. Work on leading fish with a drag-and-drop method. This helps to not spook these fish in low and clear water.
The bass are looking up in the mornings and evenings. Reach for poppers, like Mason’s Topwater Slaughter, PJ’s Skeeter Popper, or anything that chugs on the surface. Other topwater flies that are working include Chubby’s, KK’s Henneberry Hopper, and Piette’s Ol’ Mr. Wiggly. For late morning and midday fishing reach for the sink-tip and some streamers. Game Changers in the 3”-5” range, Sex Dungeons, and good ol’ Clouser Minnows.
Grande Ronde:
462 cfs at Troy – Bass are hot on the Ronde! Morning and evening topwater bite is great. Reach for poppers like Mason’s Topwater Slaughter, PJ’s Skeeter Popper or anything that chugs on the surface. Other topwater flies that are working include Chubby’s, KK’s Henneberry Hopper, and Piette’s Ol’ Mr. Wiggly. For late morning and midday fishing reach for the sink tip and some streamers. Game Changers in the 3”-5” range, Sex Dungeons, and good ol’ Clouser Minnows.
Trout
Lochsa:
415 cfs at Lowell– Look for the bigger hatches in the mornings and evenings. Have in your box a variety of caddis, PMD’s, BWO’s and midges. Hoppers are in full swing so grab a few of those as well. With the higher ambient temps reaching into the 90’s and up, it’s a good idea to have some nymphs. Reach for the classics, like Hare’s Ears, Princes, Copper John’s and Pheasant Tails.
Selway:
627 cfs at NR Lowell – The Selway is just over the hill from the Lochsa, so much of the same advice can be applied here. Look for the bigger hatches in the mornings and evenings. Have in your box a variety of caddis, PMD’s, BWO’s and midges. Hoppers are in full swing so grab a few of those as well. With the higher ambient temps reaching into the 90’s and up it’s a good idea to have some nymphs. Reach for the classics like Hare’s Ears, Princes, Copper John’s and Pheasant Tails.
St. Joe:
376 cfs at Calder – The pressure is on! Large crowds are hitting the Joe. Pressured water is going to require some finesse and tact. Have some smaller bugs in your box ranging from the #18-#22 size(s). Antonio’s Adult BWO is a killer in this range. The Befus PMD Emerger is also a great call. Caddis to round out the box is always a must. CDC Rubberleg Caddis, Antonio’s Superman Caddis and Wike’s Party On Top are great bugs that give the fish a little something different to look at.
North Fork Clearwater:
783 cfs at Canyon Ranger Station – Much like the Joe, the NF is busy! Have your classic standby patterns in your box but grab those techy smaller bugs too. Have some bugs in your box ranging from the #18-#22 size(s). Antonio’s Adult BWO is a killer in this range. The Befus PMD Emerger is also a great call. Caddis to round out the box is always a must. CDC Rubberleg Caddis, Antonio’s Superman Caddis and Wike’s Party On Top are great bugs that give the fish a little something different to look at.
Events:
2025 Clearwater Spey Gathering
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Orofino City Park
Orofino, ID
Join the Red Shed, House of Fly and Fly Project on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Orofino City Park, 155 Wisconson St in Orofino, ID. for the Annual Clearwater Spey Gathering.
Due to a huge turnout last year, we had to move it to a bigger, more accomodating location. Orofino City Park features a wide-open river bank with plenty of space for anglers to gather for the presentations.
WHAT'S IN STORE FOR 2025?
We'll be teaming up with the Red Shed again to sponsor another round of professional spey casting, tying and angling demonstrations. Sit in on presentations from world renouned spey casters, learn to tie popular anadromous flies from pros, try out the industry's best gear from top brands and grab lunch while you're at it.
https://flyproject.us/jurassic-flats-carp-claveClearwater Spey Gathering A.K.A Red Shed Spey Clave
Question of The Day
"What flies do carp eat?"
Carp feed on a variety of forage. So having everything from small craw patterns, clam patterns, nymphs, mulberry patters and even in some cases cottonwood seed flies. So, it’s essential to carry a wide variety of flies in your box. It all depends on your fishery and where the fish are when they are actively feeding. My preference is to fish for carp on flats.
SPOKANE RIVER FLOW DATA
CLEARWATER WEATHER FORECAST
What water temperature should I be looking for when pursuing pre-spawn smallmouth?