Fishing Season: March-November

Lower Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Tim Linehan's Tip of the Week

Look for fish in riffles and faster runs. At this point they'll be in the most oxygenated waters.

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 9/30/25

Expect some cloud cover and daytime temps in the 60s throughout the week. Baetis are now in play.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/30/25

Dry flies and dry/dropper are still best best or single smaller attractor dry like parachute adams or purple haze.

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
Schroeder's Hi-Vis Hopper tan 14
Adams Parachute Dry Fly standard 16
Improved Winged K.C.'s Creature standard 12
duracell nymph purple 16
Zuddler black 8
Flashback Baetis Nymph 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:

baetis, midge

Best Stretch:

Conditions are about the same on all stretches.

Best Access:

All access points are open.