Having the Clark Fork in your back yard is like getting a two for one deal at your favorite brewery – every day! The Clark above Missoula slides under deep cut banks and around beaver cut logs harboring long jawed browns and streamer chasing cutbows. After meeting up with Rock Creek, the Blackfoot and the Bitterroot, the Clark Fork’s complexion radically changes to a wide sweeping river with big, hard-fighting rainbows and even bigger Montana big sky vistas. The Clark Fork is like two completely different rivers only minutes from Missoula. Come fish them both with us this year.
Conditions At-a-glance
Our Report
Tip of the Week:
Long drifts close to structure are the name of the game when fishing in the spring. We are talking about inches making the difference between a hungry fish crushing your bug or watching it drift by. Cutting off the dropper and committing to the dry fly will certainly reward you with more dry fly eats, and potentially your best fish of the year. Tuck it in tight and don’t forget to twitch it!
*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.
7 Day Outlook:
Expect some beautiful weather in the Missoula Valley this weekend. Don’t be surprised if a lot of folks are out on the rivers taking advantage of the beautiful days. Next week is looking cold and dreary. And over night 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.
Best Techniques:
Dry fly fishing has been good on the Clark Fork, but nymphing and streamer fishing will likely be your best option with the bump in flows. 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!
3X, 4X and 5X will cover 90% of our fishing applications. 1-2X is great for punching out large, wind resistant dries in high dirty water. Don't drop lower than 10lb for streamers (we recommend a 4-5' 10lb tapered leader with a sink tip fly line). Leave the 6X at home.
Best fly fishing rod
The 9' 5WT is our do it all rod. Fast action rods will be best for most of our fishing; foam dries, dry-dropper fishing and nymphing. A fast action 6WT will be useful for large foam dries, small streamers, heavy nymph rigs and punching bugs through the afternoon wind. Bring a 7WT if you plan to fish large articulated streamers.
Best floating fly line
Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand
Best sinking fly line
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3
A selection of our top flies for spring in Western Montana. This assortment focuses on Blue Wing Olives (BWOs), Skwalas, and March Browns. Choose from dry flies, nymphs, or 50/50 mix. Let us know w...
Absolute leaders are made with proprietary copolymer blends that are designed to drastically reduce water absorption while maintaining an optimal suppleness for high knot strength. Absolute nylon...
Absolute fluorocarbon leaders and tippet boast a 15% higher wet knot strength compared to our previous material and features incredible clarity and abrasion resistance.
100% fluorocarbon for ultim...
Absolute Tippet is made with proprietary copolymer blends that are designed to drastically reduce water absorption while maintaining an optimal suppleness for high knot strength. Absolute nylon l...
High N Dry Gel Floatant was designed with special and unique materials, and is specifically for those fly fishers that prefer to dress their flies with their fingers or those who prefer to dress ce...
A favorite of BRO Guides! High N Dry Liquid Spray Floatant is made of the same special and unique materials as our award-winning Liquid Floatant, but in a convenient spray bottle. This method of ...
A selection of our guides' and staff's top streamers. Dungeons, Sparkles Minnows, Dolly Lama, Peanut Envy, Thin Mint, Kreelex, and more. Choose either a half dozen or dozen. Includes a BRO logo str...
FRESHWATER LEADER
Absolute leaders are made with proprietary copolymer blends that are designed to drastically reduce water absorption while maintaining an optimal suppleness for high knot stren...
Meet our line of value, high-quality and dependable tools with great prices. All Dream Stream™ tools are made with surgical-grade Japanese stainless steel to exacting specifications for fly-fishers...
The Mitten Clamps are opened and closed with the same squeezing motion, making clipping them to a pack or vest extra convenient. Double-dipped Comfy Grip handle provides extra tackiness. Built-in ...
HALF-SIZE HEAVY LINE
The Amplitude Smooth series of lines are, simply put, the highest-performance smooth fly lines in the world. With up to five times less drag and eight times the durabilit...
Made for anglers who have to see what’s around the next bend, the Carbon Jacket’s fully waterproof, four-way stretch shell will keep you dry without slowing you down.
Built for anglers who demand f...
Is it a light baselayer? Is it a Merino sunshirt? Is it the most comfortable and versatile fishing shirt you’ve ever worn? Yes, yes, and yes. Our Thermo 150 Hoody gives you the natural comfort and ...
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