Clark Fork Basin
Target Species Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Bull Trout, Cutthroat Trout, Mountain Whitefish, Rainbow Trout
Notable Hatches Pmd, Blue-winged Olive, Bwo, Caddis, Trico
About the Clark Fork Basin
The Clark Fork Basin is home to some of Montana's most productive fisheries. The Clark Fork offers diverse fly fishing opportunities across multiple sections, with brook trout, brown trout, bull trout, cutthroat trout, mountain whitefish, rainbow trout providing consistent action throughout the season.
Key Sections
- Clark Fork - Missoula: The Clark Fork River near Missoula represents the lower section of this excellent freestone fishery, flowing through the heart of Montana's second-largest city while maintaining excellent trout populations and diverse fishing opportunities.
- Clark Fork - Drummond: The Clark Fork River near Drummond represents the upper section of this excellent freestone fishery, flowing through open ranchland and agricultural areas while maintaining excellent trout populations and diverse fishing opportunities.
- Rock Creek - Clinton: Rock Creek near Clinton offers excellent freestone fly fishing in one of Montana's most accessible and productive mountain streams, flowing through the heart of the Lolo National Forest with over 30 miles of public access.
Iconic Hatches
- Pmd: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
- Blue-winged Olive: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
- Bwo: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
- Caddis: Various caddis species provide excellent evening fishing.
- Trico: Excellent dry fly opportunities.
