Idaho
Clearwater River at Spalding
Location Snapshot
Clearwater River at Spalding is a large north-central Idaho mainstem near the lower Clearwater and Snake River confluence corridor. Rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and chinook salmon are the principal supported targets.
Current River Rating
Fair · 67
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Go
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 3130 CFS
- Gage Height
- 3.24 ft
- Water Temperature
- 51.1 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 13342500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
Loading advisory…
Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Overcast
Temperature
49°F
Feels like
45°F
Wind
0 mph S
Wind gust
2 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 4:00 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 5 AM
Overcast
Temp 47°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 9 AM
Overcast
Temp 50°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 1 PM
Partly cloudy
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 5 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 68°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 9 PM
Partly cloudy
Temp 58°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 1 AM
Clear
Temp 54°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 45°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 5 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 77°F / Low 50°F
Chance 4%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Rain
High 67°F / Low 53°F
Chance 77%
Precip 0.11 in
Max gust 11 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Drizzle
High 60°F / Low 47°F
Chance 59%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 20 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
Loading historical flow…
Fishing Overview
The Clearwater at Spalding is in the reach from the mouth upstream to the Clearwater River Bridge at Orofino.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Clearwater River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Chinook Salmon
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Nez Perce, Idaho
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Nez Perce
Management Category
Anadromous and resident salmonid river
Regulation Scope
Clearwater River at Spalding / mouth to Orofino.
Regulation Summary
Clearwater at Spalding: IDFG Clearwater Region mouth-to-Orofino special rules. Confirm current 2025-2027 Fishing Seasons & Rules and salmon/steelhead notices.
Target Species
rainbow-trout, smallmouth-bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
Loading access and regulations…