Conditions At-a-glance
good
Our Report
Conditions on the Clark Fork are pretty good but flows super low with fall arriving. Between the recent rain coupled with clouds, shorter days, and cooler temps look for good surface fishing on this river throughout September and October. Mahoganies and hoppers will be the call for most of the fishing here.
BEST TECHNIQUES – Big attractors and long droppers in the morning if you don’t find sippers on the mayflies.
OUR TIPS OF THE WEEK – Afternoon fishing should be really good with the cooler temps and rain forecast for the next few days. Watch for subtle risers in the eddy lines and backwaters along the banks.
7 DAY OUTLOOK – This will soon be the river everyone will be fishing….the fall on the Clark Fork is the bomb. Mayflies and hoppers on the menu. Afternoon fishing will be the call…..mornings will likely be slower with the cooler air temps we’re having….but you can still get it done with a nymph rig or dropper below a big attractor pattern.
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
River is low and clear, temps are nice and cool - good for the trout!
The Hatch
mahoganies and hoppers, few midges
Fly Patterns
DRIES - parachute hoppers in tan #8, chubbies, mahoganies
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
550 cfs at Turah with 2690 cfs below Missoula
Visibility
4 feet
Water temperature at mid-day
50's
Water Condition
Low and clear
Best time of day to fish
anytime after 11am for the best fishing.....will fish good until dark.
Best stretch
Lower river below Missoula for dry fly action; below Rock Creek to Msla for smaller fish on droppers.
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.
