Clark Fork River Fishing Report

Tip of the Week:

While temps in our area are warming up, water temperatures have stayed relatively cold (sub 40F).  This is often due to melting snow and shelf ice lowering the water temperatures.  Be sure to bring a thermometer with you while fishing so you can monitor water temps.  This will help determine the best approach for fishing.

7 Day Outlook:

It's looking like a classic pre-spring week around Missoula, with highs pushing from the low 40s into the low 50s by the weekend. We'll see some lingering rain and snow showers early on, but expect plenty of sunshine to break through by Thursday and Friday. Flows remain at low, clear winter levels, and the welcome bump in temps means you won't have to battle frozen guides during the afternoon hours.

Best Techniques:

While you may see a few fish rising to midges, subsurface fishing is going to be the most reliable way to get into fish.  Focus on the many deep, slow areas of the Clark Fork.  Swinging a streamer will keep the bobber haters busy.

Streamers: Kreelex, Chicago Overcoat, Wooly Bugger, Sparkle Minnow, Micro Dungeon, Sculpzilla

Nymphs: San Juan Worm, Trinas Squirm, TJ Hooker, Sili Leg Stone, Prince Nymph, Duracell, Jig PT, Spanish Bullett, Zebra Midge

Dries: Midges

*Conditions change fast—call us at 406.542.7411 for the most recent updates on area rivers, fly selection, and gear recommendations. Local to Missoula? Swing through the shop to get dialed in with the best gear from Orvis, Patagonia, and Skwala, plus the exact bugs they're eating today.*