THE BRONZE BACKS OF DWORSHAK RESERVOIR

FISH WHEN THE BRUTES ARE BITING

If you’re looking for a tug-of-war with attitude, Idaho’s Dworshak Reservoir is where the Giant Smallmouth Bass come to brawl. The best way to get in on the action? Roll with our local smallmouth bass fishing guides who eat, sleep, and breathe these waters.

Tucked into the Clearwater country, Dworshak Reservoir is a massive, steep-walled reservoir with deep water and rocky structure—prime real estate for Giant Smallmouth Bass that fight like they’ve got something to prove. These aren’t your average pan-sized fish. We’re talking trophy-sized, 6-10 lb, thick muscle-bound Bass that hit hard and dig deep.

Fishing here with Clearwater River Outfitters isn’t just smart—it’s a must. Our smallmouth fishing guides have the reservoir dialed in. They’ll get you on the spots, rig you right, and teach you how to tempt the kind of smallies that’ll make your Instagram look like a bass tour highlight reel.

Book a guided smallmouth bass fishing trip with us, bring your A-game, and be ready for bent rods, sore arms, and stories that’ll make your buddies jealous.

DWORSHAK SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING SEASON RUNS APRIL THROUGH MAY EACH YEAR

BASS FISHING DWORSHAK RESERVOIR

Dworshak Reservoir is considered, by many, as the "BEST" Giant Smallmouth Bass reservoir on the west coast. Dworshak Reservoir is the only major lake on the Clearwater system.  It is created by the Dworshak Dam, on the Northfork of the Clearwater River, near Orofino, Idaho.  Built in 1973, the dam is 700 ft high and backs up the Northfork 54 miles. This large 1,700 acre impoundment has Giant Smallmouth Bass known as the Bronzed Back Donkeys of Dworshak!

Bassmasters Magazine refers to Dworshak as the “Smallmouth Capitol of the West”.  Dworshak ranks high on the list of Smallmouth destinations due to the abundance of huge Smallmouth, like the 9.72 lb Idaho state record! 

Dworshak is a deep clear resevoir, with visibility up to 20 feet at times, and average depths that can reach 300-400 feet.

The main food source that grow these Smallmouth are Kokanee, with a majority of them being 6-10 inches long. With Kokanee being the predominant forage, most of our lure selection is bait fish oriented. For example, deeper diving crankbaits, jerkbaits, both soft and hard, various swimbaits and underspins are great choices. That being said, bottom contact baits like tubes, ned worms, senkos, and drop shots also have their place. Our Dworshak smallmouth bass fishing guides use baits that are thrown on Alpha Angler rods teamed, with Daiwa reels. Clear water fluorocarbon is a must.

Clearwater River Outfitters can accommodate groups of up to 4 anglers on our guided Dworshak Smallmouth Bass fishing trips. We encourage 100% catch and release on these trips.