The Clark Fork is settling into November with good flows and promising opportunities for anglers targeting late-fall trout. The river above Missoula is currently running around 1,677 cfs, down from approximately 1,832 cfs in last Wednesday's report. Below Missoula, the river is carrying around 2,629 cfs. Although flows have dropped, the river continues to provide more depth and holding water than it did during the low-water stretch earlier in October.

The weekend brought another round of precipitation to western Montana, with valley rain and mountain snow affecting portions of the watershed. Water temperatures remain cold, and trout are beginning to concentrate in slower, deeper areas where they can feed efficiently without fighting heavy current.

Look for fish along foam lines, deeper inside bends, soft banks, slower riffle edges, and current seams adjacent to deeper water. The Clark Fork can become particularly technical when trout are feeding selectively on smaller insects, so spend time watching the water before casting.

The forecast looks relatively pleasant for the first half of the week, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and low 50s. Cold mornings will likely delay insect activity, making late morning through mid-afternoon the most productive fishing window. Additional clouds and showers Thursday could improve dry-fly fishing.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are now the primary mayfly hatch on the Clark Fork. Cloudy afternoons can produce excellent opportunities to find trout rising consistently in softer water. Small Comparaduns, emergers, and parachute patterns should be the first choice when fish begin feeding on the surface.

Midges are becoming increasingly important as we enter November. Small midge clusters and emergers may be necessary when fish become selective in flat, slow-moving water.

Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are fading rapidly, and their hatches should no longer be counted on. October Caddis have been present throughout the fall, but their activity is now largely finished. The occasional adult or pupa may still produce, particularly in broken water.

Terrestrials are no longer a dependable option. While an occasional fish may still eat a beetle or ant, anglers should concentrate on smaller mayflies and subsurface presentations.

Nymphing will continue to be productive throughout the day. Fish Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, Perdigons, Zebra Midges, and BWO nymphs through deeper seams and slower buckets.

Streamer fishing is another excellent option. Larger trout can become increasingly aggressive during late fall, especially under cloudy skies. Try Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and smaller articulated patterns along deeper banks, shelves, and drop-offs.

Outlook for the Week

The Clark Fork should offer some of the better technical dry-fly fishing around Missoula this week. Watch for short afternoon BWO hatches, and keep streamers ready for cloudy periods. Thursday's possible showers may provide especially favorable conditions.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Comparaduns #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• BWO Parachutes #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–22

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• Mahogany Duns #14–16

• October Caddis Adults #8–12

Nymphs

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Frenchies #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Caddis Pupa #14–18

• Prince Nymphs #12–16

• Worm Patterns

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Peanut Envy

• Kreelex

• Mini Dungeons

• Thin Mints

• Sculpzilla

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Sculpin Patterns