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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, 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).
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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.
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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.
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