Clark Fork Fishing Report - 8/6
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
The Clark Fork's flow is hanging just below 3000 cfs in St. Regis and the water temps are in the lower 70s by the evening. Mornings are back in play on the lower end, with water temps around 65 degrees in the AM. Cooler temps in the forecast have us feeling optimistic too. The Clark Fork is really off color from the recent rain and the mudslide up The Blackfoot. Also, it rained a 1/2" in Anaconda 8/5, so be prepared (THE WORM) for some more off color water. A few PMDs and tricos are around, but nocturnal stones and hoppers have been the main bugs. Thunder thigh hoppers, Morrish hoppers, and more - or - less hoppers kept us bent for the late morning. Rifle through the hopper colors to figure out the flavor of the day. For the morning, use a tiltwing PMD, midge cluster, trico spinner, film critic PMD, or D&D cripple. Sparkle minnows, kreelex minnows, slum lords, barely legals, and Big Horn buggers have been working well.
