The Clark Fork above Missoula is holding around 1,340 to 1,360 cfs, which is close to the last report and still the best big-water option around town. Flows have not changed much, but the weather changed the fishing. The weekend rain and snow pushed the river into a colder fall program, and water above town was reported around 50 degrees. That is a very good temperature for trout, but it also means the river may fish slowly until late morning.

Look for trout in slower, efficient feeding lanes rather than heavy current. The best water will be foam lines, inside bends, riffle edges, current tongues, side-channel seams, soft buckets, tailouts, and deeper green lanes. If fish are rising, take time to match the lane and pace of the rise. If nothing is showing, nymphing small mayflies, October Caddis pupa, caddis pupa, worms, and jig patterns through deeper seams will be more consistent.

The fall hatch program is strong on the Clark Fork right now. Terrestrials are fading, but there is still a chance to pick up fish on beetles, ants, or a late hopper during the warmest part of the afternoon along grassy banks and islands. BWOs are the big hatch to watch during cloudy or damp windows. Mahogany Duns can be important from late morning into the afternoon, and anglers are already seeing October Caddis. Hecubas are still worth having, especially in softer fall water and riffle edges.

Streamer fishing may be one of the better ways to find quality fish as we move through October. The recent snow, rain, and colder water should encourage more fall behavior, especially from browns. Fish small to medium sculpins, Sparkle Minnows, Thin Mints, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and compact articulated patterns along banks, shelves, drop-offs, and soft inside seams.

Weekend Outlook

This weekend looks warmer and more stable than the last one. Expect cold starts, but the afternoons should be good. Saturday’s mild weather could bring a better October Caddis and Mahogany window, while any clouds would help BWOs and streamers.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Dries #18-22

• BWO Emergers #18-22

• Mahogany Duns #14-16

• October Caddis Adults #8-12

• Hecubas #10-12

• Parachute Adams #16-22

• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18

• X-Caddis #14-18

• Corn Fed Caddis #12-18

• Beetles #12-16

• Ants #14-18

• Small hoppers #10-12

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18

• Perdigons #16-20

• Pheasant Tails #16-20

• BWO Nymphs #18-22

• October Caddis Pupa #8-12

• Caddis Pupa #14-18

• Prince Nymphs #12-16

• Small stonefly nymphs

• Worm patterns

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Peanut Envy

• Mini Dungeons

• Sculpzilla

• Thin Mints

• Woolly Buggers

• Kreelex

• Barely Legal

• Small sculpin patterns