Clark Fork River Fishing Report

Updated Thursday, September 14 at 5:54PM
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 views.  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:

Cut off the dropper if you are getting refusals on your hopper pattern.  Sometimes this can be the key to an aggressive hopper eat.  Also, if your ultra-realistic pattern isn’t enticing the trout, try something more general, like a Plan B or a Chubby.  We like to fish bright colors like purple, pink and peach during hopper season.  Don’t be afraid to mix it up.

*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.

7 Day Outlook:

It is shaping up to be a beautiful early fall week here around Missoula.  Water temps and flows on the Clark Fork are looking good and the fishing has been improving daily.  It's a great time to make the most of those warm sunny afternoons.

*Known Clark Fork Hazards:

Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section.  Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.

Best Techniques:

It’s officially hopper-dropper season on the Clark Fork!  Hennebery, Juicy, and Mongo Hoppers are our go-to’s.  Trico fishing has been great if you are in the right spot for the spinner fall, so have a few small spinners in size 20-22 in your box.  For nymphs, try a TJ Hooker, Blowtorch, Prince, Duracell, Jig PT, or Bullet.

If you throw streamers, give your light colored and flashy patterns a shot first.  Olive and natural/tan have also been effective.

*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 Forecast

Deer Lodge, MT, USA

Conditions

As water temperatures drop the fishing will continue to improve. It's a great time to fish the Clark Fork right now.

The Hatch

Hoppers, beetles and ants. Tricos are waning, but we are starting to see October Caddis.

Fly Patterns

DRIES

  • Chubby Chernobyl #08-12
  • Micro Chub #12-16
  • Plan B #08-12
  • Donkey Kong Hopper #10-12
  • Juicy Hopper #06-12
  • Foam Beetle #12-14
  • Para-Ant #14-16
  • Trico Spinner #20-22
  • Purple Haze #12-16
  • Brindlechute #12-16
  • October Caddis #08-10

NYMPHS

  • TJ Hooker #10-14
  • Duracell #12-16
  • Jig Pheasant Tail #12-18
  • Jig Prince #10-16
  • Frenchie #12-16
  • Perdigons and Bullets #14-18
  • Soft Hackle Hare's Ear #12-16
  • October Caddis #08-10

STREAMERS

  • Lil' Kim #04-08
  • Wooly Bugger/Thin Mint #06-12
  • Sparkle Minnow #4-8
  • Mini Dungeon
  • Mini Envy
  • Double & Baby Gongas
  • Kreelex #6

USGS Water Charts

Specifics

Water Flow

2110cfs (average for this time of year)

Visibility

36"+

Water temperature at mid-day

65F

Water Condition

Water temps are cooling down and the fishing should continue to improve. The Clark Fork is currently running clear.

Best time of day to fish

Late morning through evening.

Best stretch

Good floats are available above and below Missoula. Wading access is difficult, try Kelly Island. Avoid Clinton-Turah if floating.

Best access point

Multiple access points all along the river.

Fish Species

Rainbows, westslope cutthroats, cut-bows, browns, pike and whitefish.

Fishing Season

Fishing season is open year round.

Nearest airport

MSO (Missoula International Airport)

Recommended fly fishing leader

From a boat - 7.5' 3x-4x. Wading step it up to 9'

Recommended fly fishing tippet

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 Gold

Best sinking fly line

Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3

Recommended Gear based on this report

Orvis Encased Stream Thermometer
Orvis
Orvis Encased Stream Thermometer
Price
$11.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Price
$16.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader 3-Pack
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader 3-Pack
Price
$19.95
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet Clear - 30M
Price
$8.95
High and Dry Gel Floatant
High N Dry
High and Dry Gel Floatant
Price
$9.95
High N Dry Liquid Spray Floatant
High N Dry
High N Dry Liquid Spray Floatant
Price
$9.95
High N Dry Powdered Floatant & Desiccant
High N Dry
High N Dry Powdered Floatant & Desiccant
Price
$9.95
Rio Gold Premier Fly Line
Rio Gold Premier Fly Line
Rio Products
Rio Gold Premier Fly Line
Price
$99.99
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth MPX
Price
$99.95
Summer Fly Assortment
Summer Fly Assortment
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Summer Fly Assortment
Price
From $36.95
Scientific Anglers Sonar Trout Express Fly Line
Scientific Anglers Sonar Trout Express Fly Line
Scientific Anglers
Scientific Anglers Sonar Trout Express Fly Line
Price
$99.95
Streamer Assortment
Streamer Assortment
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Streamer Assortment
Price
From $39.95