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:

67

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’s has been fishing well early in the morning when the water is still cool. Fish are hiding along shallow bank edges, sweepers, and eddy lines to eat hoppers, ants, and beetles before the sun heats up the water. Skip the slow, warm mid-river flats and focus on faster water and deeper water since they will be cooler. ***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 8/7/26

In Missoula, this weekend is going to have temps in the 90s with lots of sun. Looking into next week the beginning of the week will have temps in the 80s and 90s, but towards the end of the week temps will drop into the low 70s.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/7/26

A dry dropper is your best way to fish the Clark Fork right now. Throw a Chubby Chernobyl, More or Less Hopper, or a Juicy hopper and then drop a Frenchie, Duracell, Perdigon or a Pheasant Tail 2-3 feet below. If you want to fish a single dry throw a smaller hoppe or an ant or 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
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
TH 20 Incher N/A #8-12
TJ Hooker N/A #8-12
Rubberlegs N/A #8-12
Spanish Bullet N/A #12-14
Duracell N/A #12-14

Stimulator

This attractor dry fly is great for imitating stoneflies and caddis.

3.99

Item #0928

Buy Now

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