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

Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 40°

Temp:

40°

Water Temp:

36

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Long drifts close to structure are the name of the game when fishing Skwala imitations. We are talking about inches making the difference between a hungry fish crushing your foam bug or not. Cutting off the dropper and committing to the dry fly will certainly reward you with more dry fly eats, and potentially your best fish of the year. Tuck it in tight and don’t forget to twitch it! *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

5-Day Outlook as of 3/15/24

The weather in Missoula is going to be downright delightful over the next week. High’s in the 60’s are expected with plenty of sunshine. It will be a great week to get out and fish the Clark Fork. *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 3/15/24

Nymphing will still be your most effective method on the Clark Fork, and the fishing should improve quite a bit over the next week. Deep, slow pools will still hold most of the fish, but don’t overlook the shallower inside bends. Look for fish rising to midges in the slick water and eddys. Streamer fishing should improve with warmer water temps. March Browns and Skwalas should be in the mix soon, and keep an eye out for BWOs on some of the skuzzier days expected late next week.

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):
Bead Head Prince N/A #08-12
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ N/A #08-12
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A #12-18
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #08-10
Kreelex 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 #08-12

Bead Head Prince

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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:

Midges. March Brown. Skwalas should be around soon.

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