Fishing Season: March-November

Lower Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

43

Tim Linehan's Tip of the Week

Pat's stonefly with #14 perdigons is good bet for nymphing rig. Dry fly action or dry/dropper action has been good in afternoons with skwala stonefly patterns headlining bug choice.

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 4/14/25

Warmer temps over through the week may encourage a bump in flows and color. If the river is green, the fishing will be good. Another light weather system is moving into the state by the weekend. Expect cloudy skies with chance of rain.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/14/25

Nymphing and streamers are best bets in morning. Skwala Dry Patterns, March browns and olives in afternoons.

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
Midge black 18
Bead Head Brassie™ standard 18
Czech Mate Hare's Ear standard 14
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:

midge, baetis, March browns, skwala stonefly

Best Time to Fish:

afternoons

Best Stretch:

Conditions are about the same on all stretches.

Best Access:

All access points are open.