Above Dworshak Hatchery, the Dworshak Dam looms in the not
so distant horizon. Stretching 700 feet
in the air, the Dam impounds the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Chinook salmon returning to the Dworshak
Hatchery swarm into the 1 mile of flowing river below the Dam in their bid to
reach ancestral spawning grounds. The
Hatchery traps these returning adults for the next brood year of fish. However, only about 1,000 fish are needed for
the Hatchery broodstock. The remaining
salmon are available for sport and Tribal harvest.
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| A North Fork Spring Chinook Salmon caught below the Highway 7 Bridge |
Salmon fishing in the North Fork generally picks up around
the end of May and continues through June.
The North Fork River has many readily accessible fishing areas. But, read the regulations carefully, because
no sport fishing is allowed on the Dworshak Point or below the Railroad Bridge
from the Highway 7 Bridge. Anglers also flock
below the Dworshak Dam where handicap accessible fishing is available. The East side of the North Fork is owned by
the Corps of Engineers and a walking path will take bank anglers to the base of
the Dam.
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| Anglers Fishing the Highway 7 Bridge just above the Hatchery Intake |
The North Fork receives a lot of fishing pressure and the
best spots will have multiple anglers fishing.
Be respectful of other anglers. For
rookies, it is a good idea to watch for awhile before you barge in at areas
like the Dworshak Dam or the Highway 7 Bridge.
After you have observed for awhile, politely ask someone where you could
fit in. Most anglers will point you in a
good direction, because everyone catches fish when anglers are cooperating. However, keep in mind that the best spots are
secured several hours before legal fishing hours, so elbowing into the middle
of the hole may not win you friends.
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| A common bobber and jig set-up for the North Fork |
When you are ready to fish, observe what other anglers are
using. If they are fishing bobbers, then
use a bobber. If they are “plunking”
with lead and spin and glows, then ask how much weight they are using. Matching the fishing style reduces ensnaring
your gear with another angler and will be appreciated. If someone hooks a fish, you are expected to
reel in your gear so they can pass behind you to the netting areas. Do not leave your gear out. If the fish is lost, you are likely to be
recruited to retrieve it – head first!
Everyone will reel up for you if you hook a fish too, so don’t worry,
your kindness will be repaid.
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| A angler finds a hole to himself on the east side of the North Fork |
If fishing next to other anglers isn’t your thing, try the
trail along the east side of the river.
There, you can fish many holes by yourself with a short walk. Keep in mind, fishing in the North Fork is
best immediately in the morning and just before dark. There is no sport fishing allowed at night,
so check the regulations for fishing times.
Salmon generally hold in water greater than 10 feet deep, but will
travel through shallower areas in the mornings and evenings.
Most bank anglers use bobbers and jigs to fish for
salmon. The local tackle shops stock
plenty of equipment.
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| Boat anglers can also access the North Fork-and find some success at times! |
Good luck and Tight lines!
by Nate Wiese
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