The Clark Fork bumped with the weekend rain and is carrying noticeably more water around Missoula. Flows are above the historical median for this date, so anglers should expect stronger current, more push along the banks, and slightly more variable clarity than before the storm. The river is still very fishable, but the best action will be in softer water where trout can feed without fighting the main current.

Golden Stones remain the main focus, with some attention towards nocturnal stones. PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and caddis are also active and should provide good opportunities, especially during cloudy windows and evening light. The rain bump may help streamer fishing, and the cloud cover can improve mayfly activity if clarity stays decent.

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 are still a great search setup. A Golden Stone, Chubby, or Water Walker on top with a PMD, caddis, or jig nymph underneath should be productive. Nymphing will be the most reliable option when wind, sun, or water color make dry-fly fishing tougher. A streamer while water starts to clear up is never a bad idea.

Missoula weather looks warm and mostly good for the holiday stretch, with a chance of thundershowers Friday and mostly sunny weather on July 4th. Expect heavy recreation pressure this weekend, especially around popular floats, boat ramps, and town stretches. Start early, be ready for float traffic, and give yourself extra time at accesses.

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