Clark Fork Fishing Report - 8/5
**Time to put the thermometer back in the fishing pack. Watch the afternoon water temp. We call it a day around the 70 degree mark. Keep em wet, use a net, size up in tippet, and get the fish in quickly. A few tips we recommend**
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 103.0 to 239.0 beginning August 2
From the confluence of Flathead River upstream to the confluence with Rock Creek near Clinton
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, are in effect for portions of the Clark Fork River from the confluence of Flathead River upstream to the confluence with Rock Creek near Clinton. Water temperature at Clark Fork at Superior exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15.
Hoot Owl Fishing Restriction from mile: 239.0 to 339.5 beginning July 1
From the confluence of Rock Creek near Clinton upstream to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek.
The hoot-owl fishing restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, are in effect for portions of the Clark Fork River from the confluence of Rock Creek near Clinton upstream to the confluence with Warm Springs Creek. Water temperature at Clark Fork above Little Blackfoot River near Garrison and measurements at Gold Creek and Bearmouth have exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days. These restrictions will remain in place until lifted by FWP administrative action when temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees for three consecutive days, or until September 15.
We recommend giving the Clark Fork a break from fishing and all other recreational activities. There are plenty of other water bodies across western MT that are in much better shape (Temp, CFS, traffic, etc.) for fishing and recreating. Sustained 70 degree water temp for the better part of a month can't be good for the fish. When flows get as low as they are, trout look to the deeper trenches and holes for refuge, the same place your raft or inner-tube goes to avoid dragging.