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

As it gets more chilly by the day here in Western Montana, you may notice that the timing of aquatic insects hatches isn't like it was in late summer. When nighttime temperatures drop way down, chilly conditions can linger late into the morning, sometimes right up until mid-day. When the air temperature at mid-day is no longer rising above 50*F, anglers will have more success from noon to late afternoon. Read more about this subject and other fall fishing tips here: https://www.orvis.com/secrets-of-fall-trout-fishing.html?srsltid=AfmBOorWM5i_JN_V8rdcKQJHvVpYWI8Hxby5Q7wFVizXmpA6WKWMH9mW *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Bitterroot.

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 10/25/24

In the Missoula valley, this week's weather forecast says that we'll be getting scattered showers throughout the week and even cooler temperatures late in the week. *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 10/25/24

Fishing has been a bit slower than we'd like but this week seemed like a bit of an imrpovement. This past week, anglers didn't saw more dry fly eaters but nymphing and streamer fishing seemed to be the most productive. Mahoganies are out and so are October Caddis. Keep an eye out for BWOs during late morning and early afternoon. In the evenings, keep your eyes peeled for October Caddis as well, they've been out there! Make sure to stop by and grab some of our new October Caddis and BWO patterns so you're well prepared! If you're nymphing, fish smaller mayfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs, and larger caddis pupa patterns. If you're fishing streamers, make sure you're fishing darker colored flies on those cloudy days. Olive and black streamers are a good bet in these conditions. *Traveling or in a hurry? Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you! *The Online Store is updated daily! Check it out! *Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your gear and the right bugs.

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):
Rosenbauer Parachute Beetle N/A #14-16
RS2 N/A #18-22
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A #12-18
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #08-10
Chubby Chernobyl Golden #8-12
Flash Cripple Purple #16-18
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
Lightning Bug N/A #12-14
Spanish Bullet N/A #12-14
RIO's Anty Raid TB Black, Cinnamon #16

Rosenbauer Parachute Beetle

This terrestrial beetle fly is an effective searching pattern or attractor.

2.99

Item #63LY

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:

October Caddis, BWO, and Mahoganies.

Best Time to Fish:

Mornings are best!

Best Stretch:

Most of the river is fishing pretty well right now.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along the river