Meridia

Clearwater River Outfitters

Status: active

Jim McCarthy has guided anglers on the Clearwater River and its tributaries for 30 years, building deep expertise in the region's signature runs. He targets B-Run steelhead (September–March, averaging 10–20 lbs), spring Chinook from mid-May through mid-June, and giant smallmouth bass on Dworshak Reservoir (April–May). His operation covers the North Fork of the Clearwater, the Snake River, and surrounding waters, offering both drift boat and wade fishing with fly and spin tackle.

Details

  • Species: Steelhead, King Salmon, Smallmouth Bass
  • Tags: Advanced, Fly Fishing, Spin Fishing, Wade Fishing, Drift Boat, Year-Round, Streamer, Full Day, Wade Trip, Float Trip, Instructional, Catch & Release, Gear Provided, Flies / Lures Provided, Freshwater

Waters Serviced (7)

DestinationType
Orofinocity
Dworshak Reservoirreservoir
Idahostate
Clearwater Riverstream
North Fork Clearwater Riverriver
Wallace Lakelake
Lewistoncity

FAQ — Clearwater River Outfitters

Raw guide data (JSON)
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  "id": "b6a1b013-770a-44d7-814d-a0962102be4f",
  "organizationId": "b00752be-734e-4551-b76e-137439c86d50",
  "name": "Clearwater River Outfitters",
  "guideName": "Jim McCarthy",
  "slug": "clearwater-river-outfitters",
  "bio": "Jim McCarthy has guided anglers on the Clearwater River and its tributaries for 30 years, building deep expertise in the region's signature runs. He targets B-Run steelhead (September–March, averaging 10–20 lbs), spring Chinook from mid-May through mid-June, and giant smallmouth bass on Dworshak Reservoir (April–May). His operation covers the North Fork of the Clearwater, the Snake River, and surrounding waters, offering both drift boat and wade fishing with fly and spin tackle.",
  "yearsExperience": 30,
  "city": "Orofino",
  "stateProvince": "ID",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": "US",
  "timezone": "UTC-7",
  "isVerified": false,
  "canonicalUrl": "https://clearwaterriveroutfitters.com/fishing-guides",
  "tripAdvisorUrl": null,
  "googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=7274637896407673281&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
  "openMonths": [
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    2,
    3,
    4,
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10,
    11,
    12
  ],
  "peakMonths": [
    9,
    10,
    11,
    12,
    1,
    2,
    3,
    5,
    6
  ],
  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year on the Clearwater River is a dynamic dance with its runs, from the powerful B-Run Steelhead that command the fall and winter months to the explosive Spring Chinook that signal the arrival of warmer weather. The steelhead season, running from September through March, is when the river truly comes alive with these aggressive, hard-fighting fish averaging 10-20 lbs. As winter wanes, the focus shifts to the mighty Chinook, with the prime season for these 'Clearwater Kings' running from mid-May through mid-June. For those seeking a different kind of challenge, the giant smallmouth bass of Dworshak Reservoir offer thrilling action from April through May, providing a fantastic spring angling opportunity before the summer heat.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All rods, reels, waders, and tackle are provided. Fly patterns and lures are included on guided days.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": null,
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
  "licenseInfo": null,
  "whatToExpect": "Trips rotate seasonally: fall and winter focus on aggressive steelhead in the main Clearwater, spring shifts to explosive Chinook action, and late spring offers smallmouth bass excitement on Dworshak Reservoir. Days combine drift boat floats and wade fishing depending on water conditions and target species. All gear is provided, and the pace balances technical instruction with high-action fishing.",
  "status": "active",
  "pipelineId": 83,
  "createdAt": "2026-05-16T01:19:56.161Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-05-19T00:22:29.912Z",
  "reviews": [],
  "credentials": [],
  "geom": {
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [
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  },
  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "advanced",
      "name": "Advanced",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "fly-fishing",
      "name": "Fly Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "spin-fishing",
      "name": "Spin Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-fishing",
      "name": "Wade Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "drift-boat",
      "name": "Drift Boat",
      "tagType": "boat_type"
    },
    {
      "slug": "year-round",
      "name": "Year-Round",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "streamer",
      "name": "Streamer",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "full-day",
      "name": "Full Day",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-trip",
      "name": "Wade Trip",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "float-trip",
      "name": "Float Trip",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "instructional",
      "name": "Instructional",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "catch-and-release",
      "name": "Catch & Release",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "gear-provided",
      "name": "Gear Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "flies-provided",
      "name": "Flies / Lures Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "freshwater",
      "name": "Freshwater",
      "tagType": "water_type"
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "7309f38e-c058-4ed1-845f-cc35bf557c00",
      "question": "What species does Clearwater River Outfitters target?",
      "answer": "Clearwater River Outfitters specializes in targeting smallmouth bass on Dworshak Reservoir. They focus on providing opportunities to catch quality bass.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "457f7244-175c-407d-87ef-fe5629c70953",
      "question": "What is the steelhead season?",
      "answer": "Steelhead season runs from September through March each year.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "456978c5-4e07-4066-9b5f-e83c8ed83edf",
      "question": "What fishing techniques are used on trips?",
      "answer": "Trips with Clearwater River Outfitters often utilize techniques like topwater and sight-fishing. Spin-fishing is the primary method employed.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "60305556-726c-4fa2-a469-aa0776fbee3b",
      "question": "What is the spring chinook season?",
      "answer": "Spring chinook season runs from mid-May through mid-June each year.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "16a23a38-dd30-4f25-9d47-5adc7bf8b125",
      "question": "What is the best time of year to fish with Clearwater River Outfitters?",
      "answer": "The provided tags suggest that spring, summer, and autumn are prime seasons for fishing with Clearwater River Outfitters, offering opportunities throughout much of the year.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "4ca7f9a2-1f3f-4b67-988f-e2dfcf260c60",
      "question": "What is the Dworshak smallmouth bass fishing season?",
      "answer": "Dworshak smallmouth bass fishing season runs April through May each year.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "e3eece5c-7d4b-4cba-b792-dd7dac465a02",
      "question": "Does Clearwater River Outfitters offer instructional trips?",
      "answer": "Yes, Clearwater River Outfitters offers instructional trips, catering to anglers looking to improve their skills, particularly in targeting smallmouth bass.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "4a16dd7f-b6ac-4a9a-b0ae-7b1caae9ba6b",
      "question": "How many anglers can be accommodated on guided Dworshak Smallmouth Bass fishing trips?",
      "answer": "Clearwater River Outfitters can accommodate groups of up to 4 anglers on our guided Dworshak Smallmouth Bass fishing trips.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "0b54801e-36c0-4052-b541-ec9a5319a780",
      "question": "Do you encourage catch and release on Dworshak Smallmouth Bass trips?",
      "answer": "We encourage 100% catch and release on these trips.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 4
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "orofino-id",
      "name": "Orofino",
      "type": "city",
      "primary": true,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "dworshak-reservoir-id",
      "name": "Dworshak Reservoir",
      "type": "reservoir",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "idaho",
      "name": "Idaho",
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      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "clearwater-river-id",
      "name": "Clearwater River",
      "type": "stream",
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      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "north-fork-clearwater-river-id",
      "name": "North Fork Clearwater River",
      "type": "river",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "wallace-lake-id",
      "name": "Wallace Lake",
      "type": "lake",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "lewiston-id",
      "name": "Lewiston",
      "type": "city",
      "primary": false,
      "confirmed": false,
      "relationship": "in_region",
      "distanceMeters": null
    }
  ],
  "primaryDestinationSlug": "orofino-id",
  "accommodations": [],
  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "steelhead",
      "commonName": "Steelhead",
      "category": "anadromous",
      "availableMonths": [
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        11,
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        1,
        2,
        3
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
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        11,
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      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "The Clearwater River is renowned for its B-Run Steelhead, averaging 10-20 lbs. These fish are aggressive fighters, and the season runs from September through March, offering ample opportunities for anglers to experience their powerful runs.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "king-salmon",
      "commonName": "King Salmon",
      "category": "anadromous",
      "availableMonths": [
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      ],
      "peakMonths": [
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      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Known as 'Clearwater Kings,' these powerful salmon average 10-20 lbs and provide a hard-hitting fishing experience. The prime season for Spring Chinook runs from mid-May through mid-June, with the river system also seeing Summer and Fall runs.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "smallmouth-bass",
      "commonName": "Smallmouth Bass",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
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        5
      ],
      "peakMonths": [
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        5
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "Dworshak Reservoir is the place for giant smallmouth bass, with trophy-sized fish ranging from 6-10 lbs. The season for these 'bronzed back donkeys' runs from April through May, offering explosive action in a unique reservoir environment.",
      "notes": null
    }
  ],
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}