!! Weigh Station to Sha-Ron float is closed until October 31st !!

The Clark Fork above Missoula is holding around 1,340 to 1,360 cfs, which is close to the last report and still one of the better big-water options around town. The river has not changed as dramatically as some of the smaller water, but the weekend weather made a noticeable difference. Rain, snow, and colder overnight temperatures brought the Clark Fork into a stronger fall pattern, and water above town was reported around 50 degrees.

The colder water should help trout comfort, but it also changes the timing. Do not expect the best fishing at daylight. Late morning through mid-afternoon should be the better window, especially if clouds hang around and BWOs start moving. The river should fish best in softer, slower areas where fish can feed efficiently without fighting heavy current.

Focus on foam lines, riffle edges, inside bends, current tongues, side-channel seams, tailouts, soft buckets, and deeper green lanes. The Clark Fork rewards patience right now. Watch the water before casting. If fish are rising, match the lane and pace of the rise with a single dry. If nothing is showing, nymph small mayflies, October Caddis pupa, caddis pupa, worms, or jig patterns through the deeper seams.

The fall hatches are becoming the main event. There is still a small chance to find fish on terrestrials, especially beetles, ants, and a late hopper during a warmer afternoon along grassy banks or islands. However, the recent snow and colder nights mean terrestrials are no longer the main program. BWOs should be the hatch to watch during cloudy, cool, damp periods. October Caddis are already being seen, and Mahogany Duns and Hecubas should continue to matter through October.

Streamer fishing is one of the better plays on the Clark Fork now. The recent weather, cooler water, and gray conditions can make trout more willing to chase. Fish small to medium sculpins, Sparkle Minnows, Thin Mints, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and compact articulated patterns along banks, shelves, drop-offs, and soft inside seams.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18-22

• BWO Emergers #18-22

• Mahogany Duns #14-16

• October Caddis Adults #8-12

• Hecubas #10-12

• Parachute Adams #16-22

• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18

• X-Caddis #14-18

• Corn Fed Caddis #12-18

• Beetles #12-16

• Ants #14-18

• Hoppers #10-12

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18

• Perdigons #16-20

• Pheasant Tails #16-20

• BWO Nymphs #18-22

• October Caddis Pupa #8-12

• Caddis Pupa #14-18

• Prince Nymphs #12-16

• Small stonefly nymphs

• Worm patterns

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Peanut Envy

• Mini Dungeons

• Sculpzilla

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Kreelex

• Barely Legal

• Small sculpin patterns