Dworshak Reservoir was created in 1973 after years of construction on the Dworshak Dam, which is the highest straight-axis dam in North America at 717 feet.  The dam generates over 50 million dollars in revenues annually via its 400,000 kilowatt capacity (tours are available). Just downstream from this dam is the world’s largest fish hatchery.  
 

The Dworshak Dam creates a reservoir 54 miles long, with 184 miles of shoreline.  The reservoir is 630' deep at the dam during high water, at an elevation of 1445 feet. Common animals of the area include elk & deer, black bear, bobcat, mountain lion, river otter, Pacific tree frog, bald eagle, osprey, great blue heron, Canada goose, and others. There are over 100 primitive mini-camps along its shore, with tent pads, fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. There are, in addition, three developed campgrounds for RV's and tents, etc. (see pictures and info below). There are numerous hiking trails and the area is well-known for fishing and hunting of elk, dear, bear, etc. There are seven public boat launches on the reservoir, with no privately owned commercial resorts/marinas (see launches and marina info below).  
 

Fishing:  Brown Bullhead (native); Bull Trout (also known as Dolly Varden - native); Chinook Salmon (below dam - native); Cutthroat Trout (native); Kokanee (stocked), good for year-round fishing, using maggots & white corn or trolled lures; Rainbow Trout (stocked), good for year- round fishing, using nightcrawlers, scented baits, and spinners; Smallmouth Bass (stocked) & Largemouth Bass (native), best fished in spring as in summer heat they head to deeper water, bait includes nightcrawlers and plastic grubs, ask locals about other baits used; Steelhead Trout (below dam - native), many found below dam in clear water, baits include various types of live bait, large shiny spoons or variety of minnow lures, slip bobber with jig and shrimp. Clearwater Region Fish & Game 208-799-5010.  
 

Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Orofino Idaho; pan directly north via aerial setting to view the reservoir.  
 

Sailing: Like most inland lakes July is the lightest time of year, with spring and fall developing the most wind, and winter is variable. The best place to sail on this lake is near the dam, where you will find the most open water and consistent wind. Bruce Eddy launch facility is the best location to launch from, placing you in the area of the most wind and open water. Big Eddy is by far more congested than Bruce Eddy, but is a good place to sail from if you have friends/family that want to swim and play in the park while you sail. Info: Clearwater County Sheriff's Office 208-476-4521; Dworshak Dam & Reservoir - main office 208-476-1261 & water level 800-321-3198 (recorded message), Visitor Info. 800-321-3198, Visitor Center 208-476-1255, www.nww.usace.army.mil/CorpsOutdoors/dwa 
 

Deer Creek Reservoir is the newest reservoir within the Inland NW in the beautiful Clearwater National Forest. This reservoir is approximately a mile long and 10-20 feet deep. This is a no wake lake (trolling speed) and signage indicates No Personal Watercraft. Vehicle access is restricted from May 20 - Sept. 30, but fishing is allowed year-round. No camping and open fires, but camp stoves are allowed. Directions: From US HWY 12 turn northeast/cross the river to the city of Greer Idaho on HWY 11; continue on HWY 11 to Pierce Idaho. From Pierce travel to Headquarters Idaho. Once in the town of Headquarters, turn left where the road tees onto Forest Service road 247 (follow arrow on sign at T to N. FK. Clearwater R.). As you travel up FS 247, watch to your left for the sign to Deer Creek Reservoir 1.5 miles, then another sign indicating Deer Creek Reservoir Sportsman Access. Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Headquarters, Idaho. View northward to see the reservoir and associated roads.

Campbell Pond is a small reservoir created by an earth dam. This is a popular fishing pond with the locals. The pond looks very natural with its marsh, and is situated in the Clearwater National Forest. This pond is located between the Dworshak Reservoir and Clearwater River. No motors are allowed. There are 2 fishing docks, restrooms, campsites, fire pits, picnic tables; no running water. The pond is a short distance from the main road but the road is very rough with large rocks instead of typical small gravel. Fishing: Coming soon.  Directions: From US HWY 12 to Orofino take Grangemont Rd. A few miles before the Grangemont Rd. & HWY 11 junction you will see a sign to the right/south indicating Campbell Pond. Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Jayne, Idaho, then scroll to the left/west along Grangemont Rd. to see the pond.

Middle Falls

Natural water park between Middle and Lower Falls

Upper Falls

Elk Creek Falls is a impressive series of falls just a short distance from the city of Elk River and Elk River Reservoir. From the parking lot there are several well-marked trails to the falls, one of which is a wide old wagon trail. There are 3 major falls.  The upper is the smallest of the falls, dropping about 25 feet; the middle falls are the largest with a 90 foot drop (actually two falls with a small pool in between); and the lower falls drop 50 feet. Elk Creek eventually empties into the North Fork of the Clearwater River. Locals regularly swim between the middle and lower falls in a well-defined pool; just below this pool there is a narrow funnel called the suck, because when you swim in it, it sucks you under and then spits you out. This swimming area is kind of a natural water park. When viewing the middle falls you will find a sign with information about the middle falls, and this is the place where most people start to head down to the swimming area. Swim at your own risk, as it’s not a designated swim area and at certain times of the year the water is very swift. The creek can also increase in speed quickly due to any flash floods upstream. Know your swimming abilities well and do not take risks. These falls create a natural barrier were fish can not pass. There are no fish between the upper and lower falls. Fishing: Above upper falls and below lower falls - Eastern Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Westslope Cutthroat Trout. Directions: From Moscow Idaho on HWY 95, take HWY 8 almost east all the way to Elk River, then follow the sign to Elk Creek Falls. You can also access the falls via gravel road or hiking trails from Moose Cove Campground on Elk River Reservoir. Maps: To view a map click on www.mapquest.com and type in Elk River, Idaho, then pan in and scroll southwest a little in aerial setting to view this creek and falls. Its hard to see so you will need to pan in a lot.

Lower Falls