The Clark Fork River has seen a slight uptick in flows over the last few days, though it's slowly receding again. The upper Clark Fork is currently very low and remains under hoot owl restrictions, with no change in sight. However, the lower Clark Fork—below the confluence with the Blackfoot—is still free of hoot owl regulations and is fishing quite well. If you're looking to switch things up from trout fishing until cooler weather sets in, the lower Clark Fork offers excellent warm-water opportunities, including smallmouth bass and pike!

If you’re hitting the water early this week, the upper river is fishing great with a variety of hoppers and even larger mayflies. Try smaller Sweetgrass Hoppers or a classic Purple Haze off the grassy banks. On the lower Clark Fork, head-hunting those extremely skittish fish with tiny trico patterns can be your best shot at hooking into a truly large trout. This time of year, a well-placed drowned trico or trico spinner can pay off big.

If you're targeting smallmouth in the far lower sections of the Clark Fork, any streamer resembling a crawdad is sure to get eaten! Their favorite snacks include a range of colors in Zirdles, Chicago Overcoats, and even jigged Sparkle Yummies.