Fishing Season: March-November

Lower Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

60

Tim Linehan's Tip of the Week

Dry dropper is still in play and as we head into early winter nymphing will be best bet.

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Clark Fork River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Linehan Outfitting Company

5-Day Outlook as of 11/3/26

Expect early winter conditions with cloud cover and rain/snow mix and daytime temps in the 30s-40s.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/3/26

Dry/dropper with long dropper will still play and nymphing will move fish as well.

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
Elk Wing Caddis tan 14
Adams Parachute Dry Fly standard 12
Tunghead Prince standard 12
Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig standard 16,18
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph natural 14
duracell nymph purple 16
Zuddler black 8
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, baetis

Best Time to Fish:

mornings and evenings

Best Stretch:

Conditions are about the same on all stretches.

Best Access:

All access points are open.