Fishing Season: March-November

Lower Clark Fork River - MT

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Temperature 39°

Temp:

39°

Water Temp:

40

Tim Linehan's Tip of the Week

Play the drop in flows and keep an eye on the possible bumps due to runoff.

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 4/15/24

The last couple of 70 degree days has caused a significant bump in flows. Conditions could be spotty for a while. Keep an eye on clarity. Green is good. And if flows start to drop it should continue to fish.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/15/24

Stick with nymphing and streamers in the morning. Afternoons offer dry fly action with skwalas, March browns and baetis.

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 12
Sparkle Dun olive 16
Sparkle Dun tan 14
Stimulator standard 14
Pat's stonefly tan 10
purple chubby purple 12
Flashback Baetis Nymph standard 16,18
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph natural 14
bugmiester standard 12
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, skwalas, March browns

Best Time to Fish:

daytime

Best Stretch:

Conditions are about the same on all stretches.

Best Access:

All access points are open.