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Clark Fork River Fly Fishing Trips
Explore Missoula Montana's Most Diverse River
Fly Fishing On The Clark Fork River
The Clark Fork River is the most diverse river in our region, stretching approximately 300 miles with excellent floatable water. Its varied landscapes and abundant fish make it an angler's dream. From fast riffles to calm flats, the Clark Fork offers a range of fishing environments. Known for its wary brown trout and acrobatic rainbows.
The upper reaches, east of Missoula, resembles the Bitterroot with undercut banks, logs, and drop-offs, and is known for it’s thriving brown trout population and acrobatic rainbows.
Seasons and Hatches On The Clark Fork River
Early Season (March to April):
Early season fishing can be exceptional. Dry fly fishing can yield explosive takes from large rainbows. By mid to late April, you'll see fish rising for March browns and blue-winged olives in the afternoons.
Post-Runoff (June):
After runoff in May, the river comes back into shape in June, offering hatches of green drakes, pale morning duns (PMDs), and golden stoneflies that attract hungry trout.
Summer (July to August):
Throughout the summer, fish continue to feed on stoneflies, terrestrials, and tricos. The river's endless seams can make for exciting dry fly fishing.
Fall (September to October):
Cooler nights in late August signal the arrival of fall. On cloudy days in September and October, the river’s flats come alive with chunky rainbows feasting on hecuba, mahogany, and blue wing olive mayflies. October caddis also make an appearance, providing opportunities for aggressive strikes.
Guided Fly Fishing On The Clark Fork River
When Missoula Fly Water guides think of a classic float trip on a Western river, the Clark Fork is the quintessential experience. Our guides have extensive knowledge of its waters and can navigate you to the best spots, tailoring the day to your fishing preferences.
Once the Blackfoot and Bitterroot Rivers merge, the Clark Fork expands significantly, offering anglers a variety of flats, riffles, giant hydraulics, and endless seams. Here, rainbows and cutthroats in the 16-20” range are common and are known for their long, aggressive fights.
Guided trips on this river help you get to the action and make the most of your day on the water.
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