Conditions At-a-glance
ok
Our Report
Winter is a-coming but it is not quite here yet. Won’t be long. We are still having some success on the lower Clark below town. The window is getting shorter for the dry flies, but the deep dropper is still getting it done.
BEST TECHNIQUES – Double nymph rigs with something tungsten to keep it tight to the indicator so that you don’t miss strikes.
OUR TIPS OF THE WEEK – Look for tricos emerging in the evening and the spinner fall in the morning. Caddis, hoppers, and other terrestrials have been working, along with dry-droppers during the day.
7 DAY OUTLOOK – See above for the weather forecast. We are still above freezing, so you can get out and make it happen and the cloud cover never hurts.
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
Water has bumped with all of the rain, and water temps continue to drop
The Hatch
Mahoganies, BWO, Midges, october caddis
Fly Patterns
DRIES - Griffiths Gnat #18, mahoganies #14-16, BWO #16-18,
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
1340 cfs at Turah with 3370 cfs below Missoula
Visibility
Average 5'
Water temperature at mid-day
50 to 55
Water Condition
Running clear
Best time of day to fish
Afternoon
Best stretch
Below Missoula has been our primary target
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.
