Lewiston Fishing Guides
Lewiston fishing guides take you straight into the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater Rivers, where inshore-style river fishing delivers big returns for steelhead, chinook, sturgeon, and smallmouth bass.
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Lewiston, ID Fishing Guide
Lewiston sits at the crossroads of two powerhouse rivers—the Snake and the Clearwater—making it one of the top freshwater fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. Most guided trips out of Lewiston are run from jet boats or drift boats, with options ranging from half-day bass runs to full-day steelhead or salmon trips. The terrain here is steep, dramatic canyon country, and the river systems are structured with deep pools, current seams, gravel bars, and submerged ledges that hold fish nearly year-round.
The Snake River is your go-to for white sturgeon and smallmouth bass, especially as you move south into Hells Canyon. Most sturgeon trips launch from the Lewiston area and run anywhere from 10 to 40 river miles depending on the bite. For steelhead, fall and winter center around the Clearwater, where fish stack up in tailouts and deep holes. Springers and fall Chinook push through both rivers, and timing a trip with those runs can make for fast limits and heavy coolers.
Live bait like sand shrimp or cured eggs is common for salmon, while steelhead are often taken on bobber setups, side drifting, or even fly rods when the flows drop. Bass fishing gets technical with drop shot rigs, jigs, and crankbaits along the rocky banks and boulder points. Sturgeon are targeted with heavy tackle and dead baits fished on the bottom, usually in the slower pools and eddy seams. Lewiston fishing is highly seasonal, but there’s rarely a month you can’t find something worth chasing. Launch points include the Clearwater boat ramp downtown, Hells Gate State Park, and several upriver put-ins depending on species and season. Lewiston offers legit diversity—and local guides know how to work the rhythm of these rivers
Fishing Seasons in Lewiston
Spring (March–May)
Spring in Lewiston means transition. Steelhead are wrapping up their upstream push on the Clearwater, and while numbers drop, you can still pick off a few chrome-bright fish early in March with bobbers and jigs. By April, the Snake River starts to warm, and smallmouth bass begin staging on shallow flats and structure. This is also when white sturgeon feed more aggressively, especially on warm afternoons. Spring Chinook show up mid to late April, depending on the runoff and Columbia system flows. These salmon are fished mostly on the Clearwater using plugs or bait-wrapped Kwikfish. Trips this time of year usually launch near Lewiston or up around Orofino if the flows allow.
Summer (June–August)
Summer means smallmouth bass in full swing on the Snake River, and it’s prime time for action. Topwater early, then jigs and soft plastics along riprap and drop-offs once the sun’s up. White sturgeon also bite strong through the summer, particularly in the deeper pools south of Lewiston. Some years see a limited fall Chinook opener in late August, and early-run steelhead may trickle in toward the end of summer. Guided trips in summer often combine bass and sturgeon or stay dialed in on one species depending on client interest. Water temps are warm, flows are stable, and access is easy out of Hells Gate or other nearby ramps.
Fall (September–November)
Fall is arguably the best time to fish Lewiston. Steelhead start piling into the Clearwater by late September, and October through November is peak season. These are mostly hatchery fish, targeted with bead rigs, jigs under floats, or swung flies when the water clears. Fall Chinook are also in the mix early in the season, and some years the Snake River opens for retention. Bass fishing holds on through October, especially during warm spells. Sturgeon bite steadily too, making it one of the best multi-species seasons. The fall scenery in the canyon is hard to beat, and the crowds thin out once hunting season kicks in.
Winter (December–February)
Winter fishing in Lewiston focuses almost entirely on steelhead. The Clearwater runs stay relatively ice-free and fishable all season, though flow management and snowmelt can change things quickly. Side drifting cured eggs or running jigs under floats are the go-to techniques. Fly anglers focus on swinging small leeches or intruder-style patterns on sink tips. Winter fish are tough and rewarding, and the biggest hatchery bucks often show up mid to late season. You’ll need to dress warm and fish methodically, but this is a great time to avoid crowds and target big Clearwater steelhead. Most guides run from ramps near Orofino and Lewiston depending on flows.
Gamefish in Lewiston
- Steelhead – 5–12 lbs. Caught in the Clearwater and Snake from late fall through early spring using side-drifting, float fishing, or fly rods in deep tailouts and seams.
- Chinook Salmon – 10–25 lbs. Targeted during spring and fall runs using plugs or bait-wrapped lures in the Clearwater near Lewiston and up toward Orofino.
- White Sturgeon – 4–9 feet. Found in deep Snake River pools south of Lewiston, usually caught with dead bait fished on heavy tackle in slower water.
- Smallmouth Bass – 1–5 lbs. Fished on jigs, crankbaits, and soft plastics along riprap and structure from late spring through fall in the Snake River.
- Cutthroat Trout – 8–18 inches. Occasional catches in cooler tributaries and tailwaters; mostly targeted on flies or light tackle near clear inflows and seams.
Lewiston Fishing FAQs
What are the best months to fish in Lewiston?
October and November are peak months for steelhead on the Clearwater, while spring Chinook show up in April and May. Smallmouth bass and sturgeon fishing are best from May through August.
Do Lewiston fishing guides provide all the gear?
Yes, most Lewiston fishing charters include rods, reels, tackle, bait, and safety gear. Just bring a valid license and weather-appropriate clothing.
Where do Lewiston guides usually launch from?
Common launch sites include the Clearwater boat ramp downtown, Hells Gate State Park, and seasonal put-ins farther upriver near Orofino.
Can I keep what I catch in Lewiston?
Yes, but it depends on the season and regulations. Hatchery steelhead and salmon can often be kept, but wild fish and sturgeon are usually catch-and-release.
How long are typical guided trips in Lewiston?
Most trips run 4–8 hours. Full-day trips are common for steelhead, salmon, or combo trips targeting bass and sturgeon.
Is fly fishing an option in this area?
Absolutely. The Clearwater is fly-friendly, especially for steelhead in the fall and winter. Some guides specialize in swing techniques and spey casting.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Lewiston?
Yes, anglers need an Idaho fishing license and appropriate tags for salmon and steelhead. Guides can help you figure out exactly what’s required.
Are sturgeon trips available year-round?
Sturgeon are present year-round, but most trips target them from late spring through early fall when conditions are more favorable.
Is there lodging close to the launch points?
Yes, Lewiston has plenty of hotels and riverfront lodges close to major boat ramps, especially near the confluence area and along Highway 12.