Been a while since I fished it. Black Sheep in Lewiston can give you some good starting points. Guide Shop up in Orofino can provide some good information. There are holes up and down the river for bank access. I remember fishing the "Stink Hole" across from the pulp mill in Lewiston a lot. There are usually people there and you can learn the techniques. Did well upriver right below and above where Highway 12 crosses from the north to south shore of the river for steelhead. Fished Gibb's Eddy for Kings. Fished up in Orofino during the winter. Run starts in late August with A runs. Picks up through March with big B's. From the bank I usually fished with 1/4 oz. black and white jigs tipped wtih prawns. Big bobbers, lots of weight, sometimes very deep and very long drifts. Did OK with spinners and spoons at this time of the year for Kings.

Don't neglect the Grand Ronde in September/October and again in January/February. That can be incredibly productive. Fished upriver from Boggan's to the stateline. Look for holes you have to walk down steep banks to get to. Helps get away from crowds a bit. Used the same set up but 1/8 oz. jigs and smaller bobbers.

I would really suggest a guided trip on the Clearwater to start. I fished it three years while in school. First year, caught about two fish on my own. Hired a guide to start the second season and my catch rates increased by about a factor of 10. Bring a map. Have them mark spots. Ask lots of questions about the different techniques.

Good luck.