The Clark Fork is sitting at 1120CFS, slightly better than the flows we had going into winter last year. We should see flows increase some before winter hits. Temps are staying down in the low forties to mid-thirties.

The midges are emerging, and that’s really the only dry fly fishing there is to be had throughout the winter months. Small patterns in the 18-24 range like the griffith’s gnat, Matt’s Midge, or any trico pattern work great. I’m particularly fond of Umpqua’s two-winged Trico spinner since it works great for both the Trico and Midge hatch, and it’s at least visible enough to reliably see. Some opportunistic fish might go for a chubby, but this time of year the big foam flies are used more as an indicator with a hook.

Streamer fishing is always reliable, and can be a more exciting approach to winter fly fishing. Swinging flies through deep pools and runs is the usual approach. Densley weighted sculpin patterns like the Sculpzilla, Dolly Llama, or the ever-reliable muddler minnow are great patterns for fishing low in the water column. Bigger articulates like Galloup’s Kill-Whitey, Dungeon, or Silk Kitty are great options for fishing shallower runs and undercut banks where staying high in the water column is preferable. Water clarity will be poor, and the days mostly overcast so darker colors and slower retrieves are the move. Pike can be found in slack water near the mouths of sloughs, in shallow pools, or the shallow water inside the river bend. Taking the time to thoroughly fish the slough mouths can make for some really exciting sight fishing.

Nymphing is always good, and a great way to consistently and reliably get into fish. The midge hatch will be active throughout the day, and small chironomid patterns are a killer choice when you see fish rolling on emerging midges. For the tight-line nymphing folks we recommend using a Umpqua tungsten twisted worm as a point fly with a chironomid tied on as the dropper fly. For running an indicator rig the pat’s rubber leg and TJ hooker combo is always reliable.