The Clark Fork continues to offer some of the better big-water fishing opportunities around Missoula as November gets underway. The river above Missoula is currently running around 1,616 cfs, down from approximately 1,677 cfs in Monday's report. Below town, the river is carrying roughly 2,540 cfs. These flows provide good depth and plenty of productive holding water, especially compared with the lower conditions experienced earlier in October.

The river is gradually settling and clearing following the additional precipitation that moved through western Montana last week. Trout are beginning to favor slower, more protected areas, particularly deeper inside bends, soft current seams, foam lines, and pools adjacent to riffles.

Cold overnight temperatures are influencing fishing more than the modest changes in discharge. Expect the morning bite to be relatively slow, with fish becoming more active once water temperatures begin to rise. The Clark Fork can be especially productive from late morning through mid-afternoon, particularly when hatches begin developing.

Thursday's forecast calls for clouds and a few showers, creating a promising opportunity for anglers targeting fall mayflies. Friday should remain mostly cloudy and cool, while Saturday looks considerably warmer and drier. Sunday brings slightly cooler temperatures but generally pleasant conditions.

Fall Hatches

BWOs are now the main dry-fly attraction on the Clark Fork. Cloudy afternoons can produce excellent opportunities to find trout feeding consistently on small mayflies. Focus on slower foam lines, tailouts, and softer water adjacent to riffles.

Midges are also becoming increasingly important. As the larger fall hatches disappear, trout may focus heavily on smaller insects, making Griffith's Gnats, CDC emergers, and small parachute patterns particularly valuable.

Mahogany Duns and Hecubas are mostly finished for the year. October Caddis are also becoming increasingly scarce, though an occasional adult or pupa may still pick up fish. Terrestrials are no longer a dependable part of the fishing program.

Nymphing should remain productive throughout the day. Fish Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, Perdigons, Zebra Midges, and small BWO nymphs through deeper seams and slower buckets. In especially clear water, lighter tippet and careful presentations can improve success.

Streamer fishing remains a strong option, particularly for anglers targeting larger brown trout. Fish Sparkle Minnows, Kreelexes, Peanut Envies, and smaller articulated streamers along deeper banks, drop-offs, and shelves. Cloud cover can improve the streamer bite, but these patterns can still produce during brighter periods when worked through suitable holding water.

Weekend Outlook

The Clark Fork should offer good fishing opportunities this weekend. Saturday's warmer weather may create a productive afternoon nymphing window, while Sunday should remain comfortable for November. Watch for BWOs and midges in slower water whenever clouds develop.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• BWO Comparaduns #18–22

• BWO Emergers #18–22

• BWO Parachutes #18–22

• Griffith's Gnats #18–22

• CDC Midge Emergers #18–22

• Parachute Adams #18–22

• October Caddis Adults #10–12

Nymphs

• Pheasant Tails #16–20

• Frenchies #14–18

• Perdigons #16–20

• BWO Nymphs #18–22

• Zebra Midges #18–22

• Caddis Pupa #14–18

• Prince Nymphs #12–16

• Worm Patterns

Streamers

• Sparkle Minnows

• Peanut Envy

• Kreelex

• Mini Dungeons

• Thin Mints

• Sculpzilla

• Woolly Buggers

• Small Sculpin Patterns