How is everyone? I'm new to the forums.

Long story short...I'm in my 20's and got a job in the Lewiston, ID, and have decided to take up steelhead and salmon fishing. I am very new to the sport. I've fished for smaller spieces of fish my whole life so I am not a new to fishing, only new to steelhead and salmon fishing.

Can anyone from/or has fished in the area provide some intel as to what I will need to gear up for the upcoming steelhead season? Maybe recommendations on good fishing spots on the Clearwater River. I am a bank fisherman, I prefer it over a boat/can't afford one.

I know I can do a Google search on methods, baits, and tactics. However, I'd rather ask people who have actually had success in the area.

Include details please!

I can help you, but it all depends on where you're from.

go up to Heller bar this fall and talk to folks fishing.
The Grande Ronde is a good steelhead stream starting in October.
Float and small eggsucking leech flies/jigs are great there.

McMahon..I'm from Idaho..

Thanks for the information D3

Start out by talking to the folks at Camp, Cabin & Home. Lots of bank access all the way up the Clearwater and the Snake. Big rivers, just pick them apart by concentrating on smaller areas.

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.

Thank you for the replies! I can wait to get my hooks in these bigger fish.

Talk to Terry at Valley boat. Good guy willing to give info .