The Clark Fork saw one of the more noticeable improvements following Friday's rain. The river above Missoula is running around 1,848 cfs, up substantially from the approximately 1,530 cfs recorded in the previous report. That additional water has opened up more holding areas and brought some much-needed life back into the system after an extended period of relatively low fall flows.

The increased volume should help trout feel more comfortable along banks, deeper riffles, current tongues, and foam lines. However, anglers should watch for changes in clarity, particularly if additional precipitation reaches the upper watershed.

Friday's rain helped refresh the Clark Fork, and another stretch of unsettled weather is approaching. Monday should remain relatively mild, with temperatures in the low 50s. Rain returns Monday night and Tuesday, followed by the possibility of additional rain and snow later in the week.

These conditions could create some excellent fall fishing opportunities. Cold overnight temperatures will continue to slow the morning bite, but cloud cover and precipitation may encourage more consistent feeding through the afternoon.

Look for trout along deeper banks, inside bends, slower current seams, foam lines, and riffle transitions. A small nymph rig can be particularly effective when fish are not actively feeding on the surface.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are becoming the primary dry-fly attraction on the Clark Fork. Cloudy, rainy afternoons can produce excellent hatching conditions, especially in slower water where trout can feed efficiently.

Mahogany Duns remain worth watching for during midday, although the hatch is gradually becoming less consistent. Hecubas are still possible, but anglers should not count on seeing them regularly this late in the season.

October Caddis are still present, and larger orange adult imitations may continue producing in broken riffles and along banks. Pupa patterns can also be effective underneath a larger dry or indicator.

Terrestrials have become much less dependable. There is still a chance to find fish on beetles, ants, or a small hopper during warmer afternoons, but the fall mayfly program should receive most of the attention.

Streamer fishing may be one of the best approaches on the Clark Fork this week. The higher flows, cloud cover, and changing temperatures create promising conditions for larger fish to chase. Work Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and articulated streamers along banks, shelves, and deeper structure.

Outlook for the Week

The Clark Fork could be one of the better options around Missoula this week. If visibility remains reasonable, the added water and unsettled weather should create excellent opportunities for BWOs, nymphs, and streamers. Expect the strongest fishing from late morning through 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

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• Beetles #12–16

• Ants #14–18

Nymphs

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Frenchies #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• October Caddis Pupa #8–12

• Caddis Pupa #14–18

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Prince Nymphs #12–16

• Worm Patterns

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Peanut Envy

• Kreelex

• Mini Dungeons

• Thin Mints

• Sculpzilla

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Sculpin Patterns