The Clark Fork saw a bump from the weekend rain, with flows coming up after being lower and more settled last week. The river is still very fishable around Missoula, but anglers should expect slightly bigger water, softer clarity in spots, and more variation from section to section. If the river keeps dropping again this week, fishing should improve quickly.

Golden Stones remain the main focus, with Salmonflies fading through most of the system. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are also active and should provide good opportunities, especially during cloudy windows and softer evening light. The rain and cloud cover may actually help the mayfly bite if clarity stays good.

The most productive water will be grassy banks, inside bends, foam lines, drop-offs, side channels, and softer seams next to heavier current. Dry-dropper rigs are still a great search setup, with a Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top and a smaller PMD, caddis, or jig nymph underneath. Nymphing will be the most reliable option when the sun is high, wind is up, or the river has a little extra color.

Streamer fishing is also worth keeping in the rotation after the rain. Cloud cover, bumped flows, and slightly colored water can put fish in a better mood for baitfish and sculpin patterns. Work shaded banks, deeper buckets, and structure with olive, black, or lightly flashy streamers.

Missoula weather looks unsettled through Friday, with shower and thunderstorm chances, then warmer and sunnier weather for the weekend. If clarity holds, the Clark Fork should fish well and may get even better as flows settle from the rain.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• PMDs #14-18
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
• X-Caddis #14-16
• Corn Fed Caddis #12-14
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #6-8
• TJ Hooker #6-8
• Zirdles #6-10
• Frenchies #14-16
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Psycho May #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Prince Nymphs #12-16

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows
• Mini Dungeons
• Peanut Envy
• Sculpzilla
• Thin Mint
• Woolly Buggers
• Kreelex
• Barely Legal
• Small sculpin patterns