Clark Fork River Fishing Report

Information
The Clark Fork River has its headwaters in the Silver Bow (or Highland) Mountains, originating at the confluence of Silver Bow and Warm Springs creeks near Anaconda, Montana. The river flows north and west 350 miles through broad, semi-arid valleys, high mountain ranges, and steep-sided valleys and terminates in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. The Upper Clark Fork, bordered on the north by the Garnet Range and on the south by the Flint Creek Range, meanders most of its first 38 miles through the flat plains of the Deer Lodge Valley. Vegetation is sparse, due partly to the effects of the mining boom, the greatest historical influence in the Upper Basin.


Downstream from the mouth of the Little Blackfoot River, the river flows through a steep, narrow canyon. Between Garrison and Jens the river channel has been shortened by highway and railroad construction activities, but past Jens the Clark Fork meanders away from the transportation corridor and native trees and shrubs appear along its banks. From below Flint Creek the river runs 26 miles through Bearmouth Canyon to emerge and widen to 150 feet for its confluence with the Blackfoot River. The Middle Clark Fork River extends about 115 river miles from Missoula to its confluence with the Flathead River and is entirely free flowing. Its drainage is mountainous and covered with large forested tracts, broken by grazing and cropland areas in the lower valleys.
 
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From Thompson Falls Dam, its upper boundary, the Lower Clark Fork River flows through sedimentary formations and a landscape sculptured by the massive outflows of glacial Lake Missoula. It runs into Cabinet Gorge Dam, just outside the Montana border. Between the backwaters of Cabinet Gorge and the tailwaters of Thompson Falls Dam the river is inundated by Noxon Rapids Dam. When the Clark Fork crosses the Idaho border, it is Montana's largest river, carrying an average 22,060 cubic feet of water per second.
 
Featured Fishing Trips
Guided Fishing Trips
$
600
-
$
700
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 3 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
The Clark Fork River, just outside of Missoula is one of the top blue-ribbon rivers in Montana. The guide staff at the Upland Angler is an extremely qualified, experienced group of ... moreprofessionals who have grown up fishing the local waters. We specialize in the Clark Fork River and provide a variety of skills from beginner anglers, to experts alike. No matter where or how you choose to fish, we will strive to make your experience a truly enjoyable one.
$
500
/ Boat
Capacity:
1 - 2 anglers
Days:
Daily
Duration:
1 day
You can fish the Clark Fork River all week long and never fish the same stretch twice! Our guided fishing trips on the Clark Fork will be tailored to your specific interests and our ... moreguides will be paired well to your experience level. We know this river like our own backyard and will help you make the most of your Montana fishing trip. Looking to catch some fiesty rainbows and browns? We'll help you get them on the end of your line.
Additional Information
Tributaries:
The Clark Fork River is a tributary of the Yellowstone River
Source:
Butte
Mouth:
Bonner County, Idaho
Length:
310 miles
Basin:
22,905 sq miles
Seasonal Conditions
Season
Temperature
Hatches
Spring
36 - 64
 F
Skwala, March Browns, Caddishes & Blue Winged Olives
Summer
44 - 77
 F
Caddishes, Salmonflies, Pale Duns, Yellow Sallyss, Beetles, Ants and Hoppers
Fall
21 - 45
 F
Blue Winged Olives, Green Drakes, Hoppers, Tricos & Mahogany
Winter
17 - 41
 F
Latest Guide Fishing Reports
Guide Reports
The Clark Fork River is fishing okay right now as most of the ice has feed up. Nymphing is the only thing working right. Rubberleg Stones and Zebra widges are working okay.
Fishing Water Report:
Start Access Site:
Date:
Monday, 1 Feb, 2016
It's tough weather out there. I would recommend waiting till Friday and Saturday as it will warm to the 40’s and clear up. There have been good flow and color. Look for trout ... morein the slower, deeper water, around boulders, and in current seams. A Prince teamed with a pheasant tail is what the Doctor orders this time of year. Make sure you are oh the bottom. Streamers are also another good choice.
Fishing Water Report:
Start Access Site:
Date:
Tuesday, 15 Dec, 2015
The Upper Clark Fork River has good flows and color. Use streamers in the slower waters that are deeper, behind boulders and drop-offs, an along current seams. Put away your Midges ... moreand nymphs until January but can use a prince with a pheasant tail. Make sure your princes are on the bottom. The Clark Fork River below Missoula is getting action with dry flies.
Fishing Water Report:
Start Access Site:
Date:
Tuesday, 1 Dec, 2015
The Upper Clark Fork River is a good option with good flows and color, the Clark below Missoula is a better choice for dry flies. Fish are at locations where the water is slow and ... moreis deep, below boulders, behind drop-offs, and along current seams. Blue-winged olives will be strong in November on cloudy days.
Fishing Water Report:
Start Access Site:
Date:
Sunday, 15 Nov, 2015
Fishing Trips
  • Expert guide
  • Shuttle service
The Clark Fork River, just outside of Missoula is one of the top blue-ribbon rivers in Montana. The guide staff at the Upland Angler is an extremely qualified, experienced group of ... moreprofessionals who have grown up fishing the local waters. We specialize in the Clark Fork River and provide a variety of skills from beginner anglers, to experts alike. No matter where or how you choose to fish, we will strive to make your experience a truly enjoyable one.
  • Experienced guide
You can fish the Clark Fork River all week long and never fish the same stretch twice! Our guided fishing trips on the Clark Fork will be tailored to your specific interests and our ... moreguides will be paired well to your experience level. We know this river like our own backyard and will help you make the most of your Montana fishing trip. Looking to catch some fiesty rainbows and browns? We'll help you get them on the end of your line.
Current Forecast
Water Flow
Fishing Access Sites
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
36 acres
Elevation:
2,362 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Camping, Picnicking, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Photography, Group Use, Boating - non-motorized, Bicycling, Swimming
Boat Services:
Ramp, Hand Launch
Campground:
Campground, Tent/RV Site, Camp Host, Group Site
Picnic Site:
Fire Ring, Grill, Picnic Table, Group Use - Sheltered, Group Use - Unsheltered
Sanitation & Water:
Drinking Water, Toilet, Garbage Bins, Water (Pressurized)
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Elevation:
2,421 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
1 acre
Elevation:
2,638 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
2 acres
Elevation:
2,677 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
20 acres
Elevation:
2,710 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
6 acres
Elevation:
2,769 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing, Camping
Boat Services:
Ramp
Campground:
Primitive Campsite
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
14 acres
Elevation:
2,828 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
6 acres
Elevation:
2,940 ft
Activities:
Fishing
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
10 acres
Elevation:
2,894 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Raft Slide Launch
Sanitation & Water:
Toilet
Find out about the latest fishing action with our Clark Fork River Fishing Report
Fishing Water Reports:
Size:
87 acres
Elevation:
2,956 ft
Activities:
Boating, Fishing
Boat Services:
Ramp
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Fishing Quality
(5.0 of 5)
Scenery
(5.0 of 5)
Access
(5.0 of 5)
Water quality
(5.0 of 5)
Top Fly Fishing Rivers in the US
The Clark Fork River is rated as one of the top trout fishing rivers inthe US by Bob Mallard, author of 25 Best Towns - Fly Fishing for Trout
Fishing Quality
Scenery
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Water quality
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