Fishing Idaho North Fork Clearwater River

[nighthawkf-117]

Hi everyone. Seeing as we don't have a fishing forums I'm posting this here. I'm heading to Idaho early September to chase bears. I'll be near the North Fork Clearwater River and plan to fish it and other smaller streams near it. I'm definitely not an expert fly fisherman but I can at least have fun. Anyone have any tactics for this time of year in this area? I have had good success just throwing streamers but I've never fished in Idaho or Montana before. Any tips appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Esteban]

My brother caught this big ol trout out of that river. Or maybe this was in Montana, I don't quite remember. Think he was using a Bunyan bug stone fly #2

 

[wowzers]

Hoppers should still be out then. Try running a hopper dropper setup. I have had a lot of luck with royal wulffs and orange simulators there too. Euro nymphing is really effective if you’re setup.

 

[Esteban]

Sorry I'm an ass. You will do well on any of those streams that time of year. If the dry fly action is good I often use foam type attractor flies on cutthroat streams because they hold up better. If your throwing streamers you might get into a bull trout. Don't overlook some of the smaller streams and if there's an option to hike away from the roads, as usual you can find some better fishing. Also some good smallmouth in Dworshak.

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Stimulators, caddis, streamers all work. River will be low, but there is still good fishing around. Check out Kelly Fork or Cayuse Creek if you have time.

 

[Pacific_Fork]

Stimulators, caddis, streamers all work. River will be low, but there is still good fishing around. Check out Kelly Fork or Cayuse Creek if you have time.

 

[JeffRaines]

View attachment 923671

Kelly ain’t no secret

 

[TheTone]

Nothing about that place is secret or sacred anymore. It’s such a shame what a redneck crap hole it has become.

 

[JeffRaines]

Nothing about that place is secret or sacred anymore. It’s such a shame what a redneck crap hole it has become.

We went up and checked out the aforementioned creeks a few years ago. Beautiful area. I was absolutely shocked at the amount of people up there. Holy hell you're like 50-60 miles from anything and damn near every camp site and pull out was full.

I knew it wasn't a secret before we left so I wasn't expecting to have the place to myself or anything, but damn...

ETA: This wasn't a holiday weekend or anything either... this was in the middle of July during the week.