The Clark Fork has temperatures raising above freezing in the day, and dropping below overnight. Expect slight fluctuations in water quality with the forecast showing mixed days of snow in the future. Even though the Clark Fork is the most accessible river here in town, remember to always prepare for the worst when fishing the rivers in winter.

The Clark Fork offers many different options to catch that January fish,  while still having the comfort of being in eyesight of that local beer to warm yourself up. Look for fish hiding behind the boulders in those deep pools, or even the slow river elbows through town. As always, the best way to dredge that winter trout up is a variation of nymphs under an indicator. Classics never die with small prince nymphs, zebra midges, and pheasant tails being used with larger split shot to give a great presentation to those lethargic fish. Different colored egg patterns are still being used to some success through town, so don't hesitate to mix it up. 

If you're looking for something different than your average day of nymph fishing, we have good news! This time of year the Clark Fork offers great options for double-handed rods to reach places that are inaccessible otherwise. Dust off those spey rods by throwing simple patterns like black wooly buggers and dark intruders to those fish holding far off the bank. A heavy line and slow retrieval is the best way to get those fish who otherwise haven't seen a fly yet this year. 

Not a lot is happening as far as dry flies are concerned. However, on warmer days there's always a possibility of coaxing a tricky fish up by using smaller dark flies. If you are set on using dry flies, try back eddies or up against cliff walls that these fish might be holding under. Darkly colored Micro chubby Chernobyl's, or even a simple Purple haze, might just be enough to find that winter dry fly eater.