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:

48

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 the usual winter spots, try fishing seams, pocket water, shelves, drop offs, and riffles, as rising water levels and fluctuating water temperatures can cause fish to relocate. *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 4/11/25

​The upcoming week along the Clark Fork River near Missoula will begin with cooler, overcast conditions and occasional rain through Saturday. Sunday marks a transition to drier weather with increasing sunshine. Temperatures will rise steadily, peaking in the low 70s by Tuesday. The latter part of the week is expected to be mostly sunny and mild, though nighttime temperatures may still dip near or below freezing. *Known Clark Fork Hazards: Beavertail-Clinton: 2 logs down in the left channel just above Clinton. You can drag left, but as water drops that won’t be an option. Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/11/25

Dry fly fishing is improving on the Clark Fork. 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. ndicator 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. Try swinging, dead drifting, or slowly stripping streamers.

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

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbows

  • Fish Icon

    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 #10-14
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, Midges.

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon to early evening.

Best Stretch:

The entire river is in play. Be wary of Beavertail-Turah and the Alberton Gorge if floating.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along the river