Fishing Season: Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

55

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

This week’s tip is all about efficiency. Being prepared to fish a combination of dry flies, nymphs, and streamers will allow anglers to take advantage of whatever is thrown their way this week as we transition into runoff conditions. If you’re fishing with a buddy or have a spare rod available to you, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have one rod rigged up for a dry/dry dropper setup and the other rod set up to fish streamers. Alternating between these setups could be the ticket if you’re having trouble honing in on what the fish are feeding on. Just remember, wait until after you’ve done your due diligence with your dry/dry dropper setup before you throw your streamer through a hole to ensure you’re not spooking the dry fly eaters with a big streamer. *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.

Directions open in app

Map of Clark Fork River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Blue Damsel Lodge
Linehan Outfitting Company
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Bitterroot Fly Company

5-Day Outlook as of 5/17/24

Cooler weather in the forecast should bode well for those hoping to stretch out their spring fishing season. We expect flows to stabilize and clarity to improve, but we could see another bump if we get a significant amount of rain. *Known Clark Fork Hazards: Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/17/24

Nymphing or fishing a dry-dropper will be effective in the mornings and then as hatches start to fire up in the afternoon you can switch to a single dry or tandem dry fly rig. When visibility gets low stick with streamers and nymphs unless you are seeing rising fish. Bigger is better in dirty water. We’re not seeing too many Skwalas as of late, but be prepared for Blue Wings, March Browns, Drakes, Mother’s Day Caddis, Goldens and even Salmonflies.

Local Species Available Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbows

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    cutthroats

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    cutbows

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    browns and white fish

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adam's Purple Parachute N/A #12-14
Stimulator N/A #10-14
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A #12-18
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #08-10
Double Gonga N/A #6
Thin Mint N/A #6-10
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
Lightning Bug N/A #12-14
Spanish Bullet N/A #12-14
TJ Hooker N/A #8-12

Adam's Purple Parachute

Tie on this deadly purple parachute dry fly to show trout something unique.

2.49

Item #7R6K

Buy Now

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Clark Fork River

This major fork of the Columbia River, named after Captain William Clark of the Corps of Discovery, is the mother of all our local rivers. In proving her maternal resolve, the Clark Fork today flows clean and vibrant despite the decades of mining abuses imposed upon her by a less than conservation-minded state. Often described locally as two distinct rivers, the Clark Fork provides decidedly different characteristics on its upper and lower reaches. In the snaking meanders upstream of Missoula, butter-bellied browns explode on baitfish darting from deadfall snags and hoppers haplessly bumping along grassy undercuts. Following her confluence of the Blackfoot and Bitterroot, the Clark Fork through and below town widens and slows. (A dam was recently removed from this location and the river should continue to get better for years to come!) This is the ultimate for anglers hunting line-ripping rainbows and cutthroats on light tippets. Here, the biggest fish sip little duns and chase swimming nymphs around over knee-deep gravel bars. No matter your passion – #20 trico spinners delicately placed in rise ring lanes, dangling a needle-thin phez tail under a big bushy hoppers, or chuck'n and duck'n streamers – the Clark Fork offers a season and section for you.

Nearest Airport:

Missoula

Hatches:

Caddis. BWOs. March Browns. Gray Drakes. Goldens. Salmonflies.

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

The entire river is fishing well. Be aware of log jams above town.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along the river