The Clark Fork is in good shape around Missoula as flows continue to settle and clarity improves. The river is now much more manageable than it was during runoff, and fish are spreading into classic summer holding water. Look for trout along grassy banks, inside bends, foam lines, side channels, drop-offs, soft seams, and slower shelves next to heavier current.

Golden Stones are the main focus right now, with Salmonflies fading out in most sections. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are also active and should provide good opportunities, especially during cloudy periods and softer light. Dry-dropper fishing remains one of the best ways to search, but single dries can work well when fish are rising or tucked tight to the bank.

Nymphing will stay productive throughout the day, especially with stonefly nymphs, PMD nymphs, caddis pupa, and smaller jig patterns. Streamers are also worth keeping in the rotation during the cooler, wetter weather, especially along shaded banks, deeper buckets, and structure.

Missoula weather is cooler and wet through the weekend, with showers and thunderstorms possible Friday and Saturday, and cooler rain chances Sunday and Monday. That may slow some big dry-fly action at times, but cloudy weather can help PMDs, Green Drakes, and caddis. If clarity holds, the Clark Fork should continue to fish well.

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

The Clark Fork should continue improving as flows gradually drop and fish settle into more predictable summer water. Stoneflies will remain the headline attraction, while PMDs and caddis become increasingly important. Anglers targeting softer edges, side channels, and structure-oriented water should find consistent action, with some excellent dry fly opportunities developing whenever hatch activity peaks.