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:

47

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

If you're heading out, be ready for both: BWO dries for the slow foam lines and a box of streamers for fish that want to chase. ***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 10/16/26

The weather for Missoula is looking better this weekend than it was last weekend. Both Saturday and Sunday will have highs in the 60s with a mix of sun and clouds. Looking into next week it is going to be similar to the weekend with temps in the 60s and a mix of sun and clouds. Overnight lows in the 30s so getting a little later start to fishing is ok.

Techniques & Tips as of 10/16/26

Before the front arrives Saturday, fish could be on the feed. Throw streamers like Sparkle Minnows or Peanut Envies along deep banks and soft seams. Once the cold, cloudy weather settles in, look for BWOs on the slow foam lines and fish a single dry on a long leader. If nothing is rising, nymph the deeper, slower runs with a BWO or Mahogany nymph.

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
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:

BWO, Mahogany, October Caddis

Best Time to Fish:

All Day

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