The Clark Fork is continuing to drop after the rain bump and is fishing well around Missoula where clarity is good. The river still has a little extra volume from the storm, but it is much more manageable than it was right after the rain. As flows keep falling, trout should spread back into more predictable summer water.

Look for fish along grassy banks, inside bends, foam lines, side channels, drop-offs, soft seams, and slower shelves next to heavier current. Dry-dropper rigs remain one of the best ways to search the Clark Fork. A Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top with a PMD, caddis, or jig nymph underneath should fish well along banks and soft edges.

Golden Stones, PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are the main hatches. Cloudy windows can bring better mayfly activity, while evening caddis should be important as the weather warms. If the river has a slight stain, streamer fishing is worth trying along shaded banks, buckets, and structure.

Missoula weather is turning hot, with highs near the upper 80s to mid-90s through the weekend and only a slight thundershower chance today. Start early, watch water temperatures during the heat of the day, and be ready for wind in the afternoons.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• PMDs #14-18
• Green Drakes #10-12
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-16
• X-Caddis #14-16
• Corn Fed Caddis #12-14
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-18

Nymphs

• Pat's Rubber Legs #6-8
• TJ Hooker #6-8
• Zirdles #6-10
• Frenchies #14-16
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Psycho May #14-18
• Caddis Pupa #12-16
• Perdigons #14-18
• Pheasant Tails #14-18
• Prince Nymphs #12-16

Streamers

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