Fly Fishing The Clark Fork River In Montana

The Clark Fork River, located in Western Montana, is a beautiful fishery for rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and endangered bull trout. Although mining has had detrimental effects in the past, this large river has recovered and remains a quality fishery with the help of the surrounding communities. Thirty years ago fish populations were almost non existent but are now over a thousand fish per mile in many areas. The trout average around 15 inches, but fish to twenty inches are fairly common with the occasional over that "trophy" mark. Check the Special Fishing Regulations before venturing to the river.

Starting at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek near Anaconda, the Clark Fork makes its way for approximately 275 miles northwest before entering Idaho and eventually feeding Pend Oreille Lake (Idaho's largest lake).

The Lower Clark Fork near the Idaho border has more volume then any other Montana river. The river and surrounding land for many years has been a focus for several industries in the state. It is used for mining, irrigation, power generation, and of course fishing as well as other outdoor and industrial activities. With all of these activities taking place the river needs to be protected to ensure its health for the many years to come. The upper Clark Fork from its source to Milltown Dam is comprised from a variety of different features. Narrow brushy stretches in the first miles of its journey, broad stretches of agricultural land with influential feeder creeks to beautiful rocky cliffs, deep long pools and white water as it nears Milltown Dam. The rivers history shows the fishing is usually best below where feeder creeks enter the river. Feeder creeks like the Little Blackfoot, Rock Creek and the Blackfoot provide cool cleaner water to the river which in some areas depends upon it. Angling in this stretch downstream to Milltown Dam is best for brown trout with a good population of rainbows. The first few miles are tight and can be fished with a light rod. As you near the town of Bonner, where the Blackfoot River enters, you will need a larger rod as the river widens and volume increases. The river is paralleled by Route 90 all the way to St. Regis which is well downstream from Missoula. Side roads off of Route 90 will help find the access points.

Below Milltown Dam the river flows through the large city of Missoula on its way to the Idaho border. The best fishing in this stretch is found from the dam to Thompson Falls. Within this beautiful stretch of landscape you will find less pockets and "sweet" water then in the upper stretch of river. Don't be fooled because there is a good number of trout to be found in this stretch although the makeup of the river may depict otherwise. This is big water here and finding feeding fish can at times be difficult without a boat. The small amount of riffles, runs, and pockets makes reading the water more difficult. Quality rainbow trout are found in good numbers, however. Hiring a guide is a great choice although wade fishing is possible in much of this stretch. An area of heavy rapids is found below Alberto which can be dangerous for rafts and drift boats. From where the Flathead River feeds the Clark Fork just above the town of Paradise to Thompson falls the river is generally warmer and less productive. From St. Regis Route 130 then 200 parallel the river to the Idaho border. Overall, fishing on the Clark Fork can be excellent. Dry fly fishing is usually exceptional from Spring to Fall. June through October is the peak for dry fly fishing. Salmon flies, Golden Stones, and Olive Stones make up the population of stoneflies. The most prolific mayfly hatches include Olives, Pale Morning Duns, Gray Drakes, Green Drakes, Mahogany Duns, and Tricos. Caddis are extremely important throughout the season along with terrestrials during the late summer and early fall. Streamers and nymphs are extremely productive and can produce at any time of year. Matukas, Woolly Buggers and Bitch Creeks are among some of the favorites.

The Clark Fork is a diverse river with great fishing opportunities. There are also many other first class fisheries in the area to create options and diversity. If you are coming to the Clark Fork River the nearest commercial airports are in Missoula and Butte. The Clark Fork is a beautiful river and can be rewarding for anglers of all skill levels.