PART 2 

 SUB-AREA CLEARWATER RIVER SYSTEM 



Introduction 



The Clearwater River joins the Snake River at Lewis ton, Idaho, 

 approximately lhO miles above the confluence of the latter stream 

 with the Columbia River c Its watershed includes a large part of 

 northcentral Idaho from the Snake River, which forms part of the 

 western boundary of the state, to the crest of the Bitterroot Mount- 

 tains forming the eastern boundary with Montana, and includes an 

 area of about 10,000 square miles. The main stream system, includ- 

 ing the three major forks and the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, extends 

 about 500 miles. 



The Clearwater River system formerly supported large runs of 

 Chinook and silver salmon and steelhead trout. These runs have 

 been greatly depleted in recent years, and the silver run has been 

 completely exterminated* The Clearwater has vast potential salmon 

 producing capacity, and it was intended that this stream system be 

 given a high priority in any program for salmon rehabilitation in 

 the Snake River basin. 



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