!! CLARK FORK FROM CONFLUENCE OF SILVERBOW TO CONFLUENCE OF FLATHEAD RIVER ON HOOT OWL !!

⚠️!! NO FISHING FROM 2PM TO MIDNIGHT IN THAT SECTION !!⚠️

!! 100 YARD RADIUS OF MOUTH OF FISH CREEK, RATTLESNAKE CREEK, AND ST. REGIS RIVER CLOSED TO ALL FISHING !!

!! Weigh Station to Sha-Ron float is closed until October 31st !!

The Clark Fork is in a low, technical summer pattern. The most recent Clark Fork above Missoula data I could verify showed 1,750 cfs on July 28; the page did not appear to have a newer reading available. That still fits the current trend across the Missoula-area rivers: dropping flows, clearer water, and warmer temperatures. Fish are still available, but the best windows are early morning, shade, riffle water, and the cooler edges of the day.

The upper Clark Fork, from the confluence of Silver Bow Creek and Warm Springs Creek to the confluence of the Flathead River, is under hoot owl restrictions. That means no fishing from 2:00 PM to midnight in that section. Around Missoula, anglers should still watch water temperatures closely and avoid stressing trout during the hottest part of the day.

The prolific late spring and early summer hatches are done, and the Clark Fork has moved into mid-to-late summer bugs. Terrestrials are becoming more important along grassy banks, especially hoppers, ants, and beetles. Late-stage PMD spinners, Tricos, caddis, Yellow Sallies, nocturnal stones, and the very end of the drakes are the main bugs to watch now.

PMD spinner action can be good early in the morning on slicks, flats, foam lines, and slow tailouts. Tricos may also bring fish up in slower lanes as the morning develops. During bright midday conditions, nymphing with small mayfly nymphs, caddis pupa, Perdigons, and Frenchies will usually be more consistent.

Evening caddis fishing can still be one of the better dry-fly windows when the sun starts to set and water temperatures are safe. Focus on riffle edges, foam lines, banks, and soft current tongues with low-riding caddis patterns.

Weather around Missoula is smoky, hazy, and warming through the week, with hot weather returning by midweek. Fish early and late, and keep an eye on afternoon water temperatures.

What's Working

Dry Flies

• Hoppers #8-12
• Ants #12-16
• Beetles #12-16
• Chubby Chernobyls #8-14
• Water Walkers #8-12
• PMD Spinners #14-18
• Tricos #18-22
• Yellow Sallies #14-16
• Elk Hair Caddis #14-18
• X-Caddis #14-18
• Corn Fed Caddis #12-18
• Purple Haze #14-18
• Parachute Adams #14-20
• Spruce Moths #12-16

Nymphs

• Frenchies #14-18
• Split Case PMDs #14-18
• Psycho May #14-18
• Perdigons #14-20
• Pheasant Tails #14-20
• Prince Nymphs #12-16
• Caddis Pupa #12-18
• Jigged Hare's Ears #14-18
• Small jig nymphs #16-20

Streamers

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