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:

72

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for the Clark Fork River - from the Clark Fork’s origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the confluence of the Flathead River starting July 29. A fishing closure is in effect for a 100-yard radius around the Mouth of Fish Creek - at the Clark Fork River confluence starting July 29. A fishing closure is in effect for a 100-yard radius around the Mouth of Rattlesnake Creek - at the Clark Fork River confluence starting July 29. A fishing closure is in effect for a 100-yard radius around the Mouth of the St. Regis River - at the Clark Fork River confluence starting July 29. Hoot owl restrictions (fishing prohibited 2:00 p.m. to midnight) are in effect for Silver Bow Creek from the confluence with Blacktail Creek to the mouth of Warm Springs Creek starting July 29. The Clark Fork has been fishing very well in the morning. The early morning window is the ticket as the trout are looking for cool water on shallow bank edges, sweepers, and eddy lines to grab terrestrials before the sun hits the water. Pass the slow, warm mid-river flats and focus on the cooler parts of the river. ***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 7/31/26

In Missoula, is going to be hot on Saturday with the high in the 90s, but the temps will drop to the 70s on Sunday. The beginning of next week is going to be cool with temps in the 70s and then by the end of the week the highs will be back in the 80s.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/31/26

Throw a Chubby Chernobyl, More or Less Hopper, or a Sweetgrass Hopper on top, and trail a Frenchie, Duracell, or a Perdigon 3 to 4 feet underneath. If you see fish sipping in the early morning, switch to a single Flying Ant or subtle Beetle pattern.

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):
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
TJ Hooker 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:

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