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:

68

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Clark Fork is fishing very well this time of the year. Target grassy banks in the early morning hours. Trout will hide along shallow bank edges, sweepers, and eddy lines to grab hoppers, ants, and beetles before the sun hits the water. Skip all the slow mid-river flats and focus strictly on fast, grassy banks and deep undercut structure. ***There are reports of a new tree down between Turah and Sha-Ron about half a mile above the confluence of Clark Fork and Blackfoot. Call the shop for more details 406.542.7411*** ***There are reports of a new tree down between Clinton and Turah. Call the shop for more details 406.542.7411***

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 8/28/26

In Missoula, this weekend is going to be cooler with temps in the 60s and 70s with a chance of rain on Saturday. The rest of the week is going to be cooler with temps in the 70s with a mix of sun and clouds through the entire week.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/28/26

Tie on a high-floating Chubby Chernobyl, More or Less Hopper, or Fat Albert on top, and trail a nymph like a Frenchie, Duracell, or Perdigon 3 to 4 feet underneath. Be on the lookout for tricos hatching and fish sipping them on the surface.

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

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    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):
Stimulator N/A #10-12
Big Sky Salmon Fly N/A #6-10
Elk Wing Caddis N/A #12-16
Bead Head Caddis Pupa N/A #12-14
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
TJ Hooker N/A #8-12
Rubberlegs N/A #8-12
Spanish Bullet N/A #12-14
Duracell N/A #12-14

Stimulator

This attractor dry fly is great for imitating stoneflies and caddis.

3.99

Item #0928

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:

Terrestrials

Best Time to Fish:

Morning

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play. Be wary of Beavertail-Kelly and the Alberton Gorge if floating.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along the river