Fishing Season: March-November

Lower Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

Tim Linehan's Tip of the Week

Look for fish in off current areas, back eddies, and soft, foamy water.

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Clark Fork River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Linehan Outfitting Company

5-Day Outlook as of 4/3/26

Due to recent rain and warmer daytime temps runoff has bumped significantly. Presently the Clark Fork is off color, big and not necessarily that fishable. Flows are trending down which is good so provided nightime temps stay cool, it may start to fish well enough by the weekend.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/3/26

At the moment conditions are just okay. Nymphing is best bet or dry/dropper with a three foot long dropper tag. Skwalas are active but flows are still big.

Local Species Available March-November

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    rainbow

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    westslope cutthroat

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    brown

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    mountain whitefish

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    pike minnow

Tim Linehan's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adam's Purple Parachute standard 14
Bead Head Soft Hackle Hare's Ear Nymph tan 14
TH Duracell Jig standard 12
Tunghead Prince standard 12
duracell nymph purple 16
Zuddler black 8
Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig standard 16,18
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph natural 14
circus peanut white 8
bead head copper john copper 12

Adam's Purple Parachute

Tie on this deadly purple parachute dry fly to show trout something unique.

2.49

Item #7R6K

Buy Now

Tim Linehan's Recommended Gear

Description: About Lower Clark Fork River

The Lower Clark Fork River is approximately fifty miles west of Missoula and below the Alberton Gorge. This section of the Clark Fork looks and smells a bit different from the river that runs through Missoula. Above the town of St. Regis the river is broad and runs with very little gradient making for some of the best dry fly water in the state. Below St. Regis the gradient increases as the river runs north to meet the Flathead in Plains, Montana offering more diversity with big riffles and boulder strewn runs. The Lower Clark Fork is a terrific fishery and it's location to I-90 make it very accessible. Give a shout anytime if you need more info or you want to book a trip. 800-596-0034.

Nearest Airport:

Six of one/half dozen of the other...Spokane, Washington the west or Missoula, Montana to the east.

Hatches:

midge

Best Stretch:

Conditions are about the same on all stretches.

Best Access:

All access points are open.