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:

51

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Spring conditions are variable and can impact fish location and feeding activity. If you aren't finding fish in your usual spots, try fishing seams, pocket water, shelves, drop offs, and riffles, as rising water levels and fluctuating water temperatures can cause fish to relocate. Water temperature, speed, and depth should all factor into where you decide to throw that first cast. *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.

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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 4/25/25

The Clark Fork River will see a mix of sunny and cloudy weather over the next week, with highs ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s. Warmer temperatures through the weekend could increase snowmelt and raise river flows, leading to slightly off-color water. Scattered showers Sunday through Tuesday may further bump flows and impact clarity. Mid to late next week looks drier and warmer. Anglers should expect changing water levels and adjust tactics accordingly, favoring nymphs and streamers when flows start to bump. *Known Clark Fork Hazards: Beavertail-Clinton: 2 logs down in the left channel just above Clinton. You can sneak through now, but it is tight. Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/25/25

Dry fly fishing has been good on the Clark Fork when we get clouds. Skwalas are out- so run a #10-12 foam dry on top with a small jiggy nymph (#14-16) below earlier in the day. Once you see fish consistently rise you can throw a single #10-12 Skwala pattern. If the fish get picky try a #12-14 March Brown Cripple. Occasionally, they want something small this time of year. Indicator nymphing is still a good option, especially earlier in the day. Start with a stonefly nymph and worm combo, and depending on what they are eating you can adjust with different colors and sizes. A little duracell or zebra midge might pick up fish when the larger flies aren’t working. Streamers? Yes! Steamers: Sculpzilla, Articulated Sparkle Yummy, Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex, Gongas, Dungeons and Envys. Nymphs: San Juan, Girdle Bugs, TJ Hooker, Double Bead Stone, Duracell, Jig PT, Blowtorch, Spanish Bullet. Dries: Skwala: Water Walker, Chubby, Fool’s Gold, Plan B, Rolling Stone #10-12 BWO: On Point, Purple Haze, Hi-Vis BWO, BWO Cripple, Dime Piece Spinner #18-20 March Brown: Brindlechute, Parachute PT, March Brown Cripple #12-14 Grey Drake: Film Critic, Flash Cripple, Carnage Drake #12 Caddis: Elk Hair Caddis, Corn Fed Caddis, Hi-Vis CDC Caddis #12-14

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

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbows

  • Fish Icon

    cutthroats

  • Fish Icon

    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 #10-14
Griffith's Gnat N/A #16-20
Blue Winged Olive N/A #18-20
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #08-12
Plan B N/A #8-12
Rubberlegs N/A #8-12
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
Spanish Bullet N/A #12-14
Duracell N/A #12-14

Stimulator

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Item #0928

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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:

Skwalas, BWOs, March Browns, Caddis, Midges.

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon to early evening.

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