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

The Clark Fork has responded well to the cooler, wetter weather that came through over Labor Day weekend. Recent reports have the river above Missoula around the 1,200 cfs range, up from the lowest late-August flows and enough to make the river feel a little healthier. It is still low and technical, but the combination of cooler water, clouds, and a little extra flow should help fish move into feeding lanes more comfortably.

Look for trout around riffle edges, soft banks, current tongues, foam lines, deeper green seams, tailouts, side channels, inside bends, and shelves that collect food. The Clark Fork can reward patient dry-fly anglers this time of year, but it is worth watching before casting. If fish are up, smaller dries and clean drifts are the move. If not, small nymphs under a terrestrial or indicator will usually be more reliable.

The prolific late spring and early summer hatches are done, and the Clark Fork is shifting into its early fall mix. Terrestrials are still a real option, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles along grassy banks, islands, and soft edges. Late-stage PMD spinners and caddis are still around, but anglers should begin watching closely for BWOs as cooler, cloudier days stack up. October Caddis, Mahogany Duns, and Hecubas are also worth keeping in mind as we move deeper into September and toward true fall fishing.

The weather ahead looks favorable for the Clark Fork. Missoula is forecast to stay cool and cloudy at times, with highs mostly in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, plus rain chances this weekend. That should help water temperatures and may open up more daytime opportunity than we had during the hot late-August stretch.

Streamer fishing may be a good idea as we transition into fall. Cloud cover, rain, and a little color can get bigger fish looking for a meal, especially along banks, soft seams, shelves, and inside bends. Keep patterns moderate in size unless the water gains color.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-18
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• BWO Dries #18-22
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Corn Fed Caddis #12-18
• October Caddis Adults #8-12
• Mahogany Duns #14-16
• Hecubas #10-12
• Parachute Adams #14-20

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Perdigons #14-20
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• BWO Nymphs #18-22
• Prince Nymphs #12-16
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• October Caddis Pupa #8-12
• Jigged Hare’s Ears #14-18
• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

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