The Clark Fork is offering some promising mid-October fishing opportunities, especially for anglers who enjoy technical dry-fly fishing or covering water with streamers. The latest verified flow above Missoula was approximately 1,340–1,360 cfs, relatively unchanged from the previous report. The river is running low and clear, but it still offers substantially more water than many smaller streams around Missoula.

After the rain and snow that moved through last weekend, water temperatures dropped into a more seasonal range, with recent readings near 50°F. The colder water has shifted the feeding window later into the day. Rather than getting on the water at first light, anglers may find better action from late morning through the afternoon.

This weekend's weather brings another change. Saturday should be mild but windy as a dry cold front moves through western Montana. The wind could make fishing small dries challenging, although it may also provide enough surface disturbance to make trout less cautious. Sunday should be cooler and generally dry.

Look for fish feeding in foam lines, slower riffles, current tongues, inside bends, and soft seams adjacent to deeper water. The Clark Fork can be extremely rewarding when fish are rising, but it pays to watch the water carefully before making the first cast.

Fall Hatches

The Clark Fork is moving firmly into its fall hatch cycle. Terrestrials have become less dependable, although beetles, ants, and the occasional hopper can still bring fish up along grassy banks during warmer afternoons.

BWOs are one of the primary insects to watch now, especially during cloudy conditions. Mahogany Duns and Hecubas can also create worthwhile afternoon opportunities. October Caddis have already begun appearing, and anglers should keep both large adult imitations and pupa patterns available.

When the fish are feeding selectively, small BWO emergers and delicate presentations are often more productive than oversized attractors. On bright afternoons, nymphing smaller mayflies and caddis pupa through the deeper seams should remain consistent.

Fall also means streamer season is gaining momentum. Larger trout, especially brown trout, may become more responsive to baitfish imitations as their behavior changes. Fishing Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and smaller articulated streamers along banks and structure can produce excellent opportunities.

Weekend Outlook

Saturday's warmer weather and gusty winds may favor streamer fishing and nymphing over technical dry-fly presentations. Sunday could offer a more comfortable opportunity to fish smaller mayflies in calmer water. Keep an eye out for rising fish during the afternoon.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Comparaduns #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• Mahogany Duns #14–16

• Hecubas #10–12

• October Caddis Adults #8–12

• Parachute Adams #16–20

• Purple Haze #16–20

• Beetles #12–16

• Ants #14–18

• Small Hoppers #10–12

Nymphs

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Frenchies #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• October Caddis Pupa #8–12

• Prince Nymphs #12–16

• Caddis Pupa #14–18

• Worm Patterns

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Peanut Envy

• Kreelex

• Mini Dungeons

• Thin Mints

• Sculpzilla

• Woolly Buggers