The Clark Fork is shaping up to be one of the more promising rivers around Missoula this week. The river above town is running approximately 1,530 cfs, up slightly from Friday's reading near 1,496 cfs. Although the increase is relatively small, the added water is welcome and gives trout more usable holding areas along riffles, current tongues, foam lines, and deeper banks.

The cooler weather has brought water temperatures down into a strong fall range, with recent overnight readings around 44°F. Fish should be comfortable, but they may conserve energy during the colder morning hours. Late morning through afternoon will likely be the most productive period, particularly when mayflies begin moving.

The weekend brought generally dry weather and wind to western Montana, keeping the river clear and fishable. The larger change is expected later this week, when increasing clouds and rain may provide some of the better fall fishing conditions we've seen recently.

Look for trout holding along foam lines, inside bends, deeper riffle edges, slower tailouts, and seams adjacent to faster current. The Clark Fork rewards patience this time of year. Watch for rising fish before making a cast, especially in quieter water where trout may be feeding selectively.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are becoming one of the most important insects on the Clark Fork. Cooler, cloudy conditions can produce excellent opportunities for anglers carrying smaller dry flies and emergers. Thursday and Friday's predicted weather change could create a particularly good BWO window.

Mahogany Duns are also worth watching for during midday feeding periods, while Hecubas may still bring fish to the surface in suitable riffle water. Anglers are already seeing October Caddis, making both adults and pupa patterns useful additions to the fly box.

Terrestrials are becoming a secondary option. There is still a chance to move fish on beetles, ants, and occasional hoppers during warm afternoons, particularly around grassy banks and islands, but smaller mayflies should receive more attention.

Nymphing remains dependable when fish are not rising. Try Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, Perdigons, Zebra Midges, and October Caddis pupa along current seams and deeper buckets.

Streamer fishing is gaining momentum as October progresses. Cooler water and low-light conditions can encourage larger trout to chase. Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and smaller articulated patterns are good options around banks, shelves, and drop-offs.

Outlook for the Week

The first half of the week should provide pleasant afternoon fishing. Thursday's increasing clouds and Friday's rain could create some of the best BWO dry-fly opportunities of the week. Streamer anglers should also pay close attention to those cloudy, unsettled conditions.

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