The Clark Fork is holding onto the benefits of last Friday's rain and continues to offer some of the better big-water fishing opportunities around Missoula. Flows above town are currently around 1,832 cfs, down slightly from Monday's reported 1,848 cfs. Below Missoula, the river is running approximately 2,740 cfs, providing good volume for late October.

These flows remain substantially higher than the lower conditions recorded earlier this month. The extra water has opened up additional holding areas along deeper banks, current tongues, riffles, and foam lines.

The Clark Fork has been fishing in a colder, more traditional fall pattern, with recent water temperatures reported around the low-to-mid 40s. The colder water may slow early-morning activity, but trout should become more willing to feed as temperatures rise slightly through the afternoon.

The weather looks particularly interesting for anglers targeting BWOs and streamers. Wednesday brings cool temperatures with scattered showers, while Thursday could produce additional rain and mountain snow. Friday and Saturday should remain chilly, with another chance of precipitation approaching the weekend.

Look for trout in slower current seams, deeper riffle edges, foam lines, inside bends, and soft banks. The river can still be technical when fish are feeding on the surface, so take time to observe before casting.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are now one of the primary attractions on the Clark Fork. Cloudy, damp weather can encourage these small mayflies to hatch, particularly during the afternoon. Watch for rising fish in softer water adjacent to riffles and along slower current seams.

Mahogany Duns remain another pattern worth having available, although their activity is becoming less predictable. Hecubas may still appear, but their hatch is gradually winding down.

October Caddis are still being seen, and larger orange-bodied adults may continue producing fish along banks and broken water. Fishing October Caddis pupa below an indicator or larger dry can also be effective.

Terrestrials have become much less dependable. Beetles, ants, and occasional small hoppers can still attract fish during warmer afternoons, but fall mayflies and subsurface patterns should receive most of the attention.

Streamer fishing could be one of the most productive approaches this week. The higher flows, cloudy conditions, and changing temperatures provide excellent opportunities to target larger trout. Work Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and smaller articulated streamers along banks, deeper shelves, and drop-offs.

Outlook for the Weekend

The Clark Fork should remain a good option if water clarity holds. Watch for BWO activity under cloudy skies, and keep streamers ready if additional rain creates a little color. Cold mornings should give way to better activity around midday.

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