Conditions At-a-glance
poor
Our Report
To be honest… it will be a while until the system is fishing again. It’s been a crazy spring and we still have a lot of water coming down the Clark Fork.
The upper, upper (near Garrison) may start to clear soon and become fishable.
**PSA**
There was a fatal in Clinton to Turah this past week due to a logjam. We send our condolences to the family, we are so sorry for your loss.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL.
BEST TECHNIQUES – Nymphing way up at Warm Springs is a possibility and potentially fishing a small mayfly dry above the spillway along the freeway.
OUR TIPS OF THE WEEK – If you do make the trek to the upper river, remember to fish small nymphs as if you were fishing a tailwater (which is essentially what you are doing). Lighter tippets in spite of the water clarity.
And be careful!!!!!!
7 DAY OUTLOOK – With the recent rains and all the feeders to the Clark Fork cycling dirty again, it’ll be a while for the C.F., have patience… summer is upon us!
Call or email us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in our fly shop and say hi at 3055 North Reserve Street in Missoula for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.
Conditions
Still high and not the best for fishing. Give it more time!
The Hatch
Stones, mayflies, and caddis once the water recedes.
Fly Patterns
DRIES - Stones, mayflies, and caddis are coming!
NYMPHS - Red beadhead power worm#10, prince #12, phez tails #16, tungsten salvation nymph #14.
STREAMERS - olive or natural zonker type pattern #6, sparkle minnow #6, olive or black bead head buggers #8 Don't forget a few big pike flies and metal leader.
Specifics
Water Flow
6,030 cfs at Turah with 21,100 cfs below Missoula
Visibility
less than a foot
Water temperature at mid-day
50's
Water Condition
Muddy and very turbid... lots of debris washing down.
Best time of day to fish
Once flows stabilize or it clear... mid-day and on.
Best stretch
The higher up in the system the better! We recommend up near Warm Spring.
Best access point
multiple access points all along the river
Fish species
Rainbows, cut throats, cut-bows, browns, and white fish.
Fishing season
Fishing season is open year round, while the winter is catch and release for trout.
Nearest airport
Missoula International Airport
Recommended fly fishing leader
9' 3x
Recommended fly fishing tippet
2x to the first bug 3x to the second unless going small then drop down one size.
