!! UPPER CLARK FORK FROM CONFLUENCE OF SILVERBOW TO MOUTH OF FLINT CREEK NOW ON HOOT OWL !!

!! NO FISHING FROM 2PM TO MIDNIGHT IN THAT SECTION !!

!! Weigh Station to Sha-ron float is closed until October 31st !!

The Clark Fork above Missoula is around 2,520 cfs, down from the last report and sitting in a very fishable summer range. Water temperatures are cooler than they were on the hottest afternoons last week, but the forecast is calling for major heat again, so early and late windows are still the best bet. The river has enough water to keep fish spread out, but it is becoming more technical as flows drop and clarity improves.

The Upper Clark Fork, from the confluence of Silver Bow Creek and Warm Springs Creek to the mouth of Flint Creek, is under hoot owl restrictions. That section is closed to angling from 2:00 PM to midnight. Around Missoula, anglers should still pay close attention to water temperatures and fish responsibly during the heat.

The prolific late spring and early summer hatches have ended, and the Clark Fork is now shifting into a mid-to-late summer program. Terrestrials are becoming more important, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks and soft edges. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and the very end of the drakes are the main bugs to watch. Golden Stones are still worth fishing as a searching dry, but smaller bugs and cleaner presentations are becoming more important.

PMD spinner dry-fly action can be good early in the morning in slow slicks, tailouts, foam lines, and soft seams. Watch for subtle rises before stepping into shallow bank water. Tricos may become important in calmer water as the morning develops. During the bright part of the day, nymphing with PMD nymphs, caddis pupa, Frenchies, and Perdigons will usually be more consistent.

Caddis fishing in the evening should be a major window when water temps allow. As the sun starts to set, look for fish moving into riffle edges, banks, foam lines, and soft current tongues. Weather around Missoula is hot, with highs near 100 later this week and afternoon storm chances.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• Golden Stones #8-12
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Corn Fed Caddis #12-14
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18

Nymphs

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

Streamers

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