As of April 29, the Clark Fork near Missoula remains in a high, transitional spring phase but is still very fishable. The “above Missoula” gauge is holding around 6,200–6,400 cfs at roughly 5.1 ft, with water temperatures in the 42–44°F range. Of the Missoula-area rivers, the Clark Fork is running the dirtiest, which continues to favor subsurface tactics. Expect a slower start in the morning, with fishing improving from late morning into the afternoon—especially under cloud cover or during light weather changes.

Hatch activity is continuing to build, with March Browns, BWOs, a few Gray Drakes, and the beggining of the Mothers day Caddis all in the mix. While dry fly fishing is still not the main program, it’s absolutely worth having a dry box ready. Fish will occasionally look up in softer water during warmer parts of the day, and patterns like a Purple Haze, BWO Comparadun, Last Chance Cripple, and Parachute Adams can pick off opportunistic risers in back eddies and slower seams.

That said, nymphing and streamer fishing remain the ticket for consistent success right now. With the added turbidity, getting flies down into the strike zone is critical. Heavier indicator rigs with stonefly nymphs, San Juan Worms, and mayfly patterns like Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, and dark perdigons are producing. Focus your efforts on inside seams, slower buckets, and transition water where fish are holding out of the heavier current.

Streamer fishing continues to be very effective in these conditions. The off-color water favors larger, high-contrast patterns, so lean into darker flies like black, purple, and olive Dungeons, Gongas, and Woolly Buggers. If you find slightly cleaner side channels or improving clarity, mix in white or gold patterns like Sparkle Minnows or Masked Avengers. Fish them slow and deep along structure, undercut banks, and softer edges. While it’s not quite prime dry fly season yet on the Clark Fork, there’s still solid opportunity if you focus subsurface and adjust to the river’s color and flow.