The Clark Fork above Missoula is dropping and clearing, with the gauge around 3,160 cfs. That is a nice summer level for the river, and fishing should be good where water temperatures stay comfortable. The river has enough volume to keep fish spread out, but trout are moving into more predictable holding water along grassy banks, inside bends, foam lines, drop-offs, side channels, and soft seams.

Golden Stones, PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are the key hatches. Dry-dropper rigs are still a great search setup, especially with a Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top and a PMD, caddis, or jig nymph underneath. Nymphing will stay productive during the bright parts of the day.

The PMD spinner dry-fly action can be good in the morning, especially in slower seams, slicks, and tailouts where fish can feed calmly. As the sun starts to set, look for caddis activity to pick up along banks, riffle edges, and foam lines. The evening caddis window may be the best dry-fly opportunity if the day gets hot and bright.

Missoula weather is hot and sunny, with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s Friday and Saturday before a cooler Sunday. Fish early and late, watch water temperatures, and be ready for slower midday action.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Golden Stones #6-10
• Chubby Chernobyls #6-12
• Water Walkers #6-10
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• 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