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:

56

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

The Clark Fork is still pumping a lot of water but is on the drop. The upper end of the Clark Fork has cleared up nicely. Focus on the soft water sections and eddies on the Clark Fork. Fish will find themselves in there with the main current running bigger. With the rivers still running big, remember the creeks and stillwaters are open, and could be a good spot while the rivers are taking shape.

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 6/5/26

Throughout the Missoula valley, expect passing rain showers on Saturday and Sunday. Temperatures will hover in the mid-50s over the weekend before rebounding into the 60s and 70s throughout the week.

Techniques & Tips as of 6/5/26

Go big or go home with your nymphing setups. Stick to massive stonefly patterns, bright red or pink San Juan worms, and heavy Zirdle Bugs. Because the river is full, swinging or stripping large streamers on fast-sinking tips is an excellent option. Make sure your fly sinks quickly into the fishy zone.

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:

Salmonflies

Best Time to Fish:

Mid Morning through the 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