Fishing Season: Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.

Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 53°

Temp:

53°

Water Temp:

47

Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week

With temperatures dipping below freezing overnight and colder water in the system this week, try fishing a deeper dropper, between 3-5’ long, to get your fly further down! *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.

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 4/20/24

7 Day Outlook: Expect some moderate, true spring weather in the Missoula Valley this weekend. In the middle of the week we will briefly see some warmer weather. Overnight temperatures drop below freezing it will be smart to focus your fishing in the afternoon. *Known Clark Fork Hazards: Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/20/24

Nymphing and streamer fishing will likely be your best option with the recent bump in flows, however you should still have opportunities to do some dry fly fishing the week. As the river levels out look to fish a single Skwala pattern over good holding lies and close to structure. We have seen great hatches of Blue Wings on the Clark Fork so bring a few of your favorite parachutes and cripples in #16-18. There are a few March Browns in the mix so adding a Purple Haze or D&D Cripple in #12-14 to a tandem rig is a good call. Larger streamers like Dungeons, Envys and Articulated Sparkle Minnows have been fishing well tight to rocky and woody structure. *Traveling or in a hurry? Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you! *The Online Store is updated daily! Check it out! *Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs. *Traveling or in a hurry? Let our knowledgeable staff pick a fly selection for you! *The Online Store is updated daily! Check it out! *Call us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.

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):
Adam's Purple Parachute N/A #12-14
Stimulator N/A #10-14
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail N/A #12-18
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A #08-10
Sparkle Minnow N/A #6
Thin Mint N/A #6-10
Tunghead Pheasant Tail N/A #12-14
Lightning Bug N/A #12-14
Spanish Bullet N/A #12-14
TJ Hooker N/A #8-12

Adam's Purple Parachute

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

2.49

Item #7R6K

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:

BWOs. Skwalas. March Browns.

Best Time to Fish:

Afternoon

Best Stretch:

The entire river is fishing well. Be aware of log jams above town.

Best Access:

Multiple access points all along the river