Fly Fishing Clark Fork - Missoula

Overview

The Clark Fork runs from the Rock Creek confluence through Missoula to the Bitterroot confluence, combining wooded valley banks with town water. Cobble riffles, deeper runs and pools hold brown, rainbow and westslope cutthroat trout, with mountain whitefish in the gravel runs. Watch individual seams for feeding fish, adjusting nymph depth to the current or following rises during mayfly and caddis activity.

River Character and Fishing

The Missoula section flows through relatively flat terrain, creating a mix of fast riffles, deep runs, and classic freestone pools. The river bottom consists of cobble, gravel, and some sand, providing diverse habitat for trout and aquatic insects. The gradient is moderate to gentle, creating excellent holding water throughout the section. The banks are lined with cottonwoods, willows, and urban development, providing essential cover and shade. The water clarity is typically good, though it can become slightly off-color during high flows or spring runoff.

This section supports excellent populations of wild brown trout, rainbow trout, and native westslope cutthroat trout, with fish typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches. Brown trout use deeper runs and bankside cover. Rainbow trout add variety and are known for their acrobatic fights. Native westslope cutthroat trout are present. Mountain whitefish are also abundant inhabit the gravel runs.

Mayfly and caddis activity offers dry-fly opportunities from early summer into fall. Various caddis species provide excellent evening fishing throughout the summer. Blue-winged Olives emerge in spring and fall, PMDs appear in mid-summer, and various mayfly species provide consistent opportunities. Terrestrial patterns become extremely effective from mid-summer through early fall, with hoppers, ants, and beetles producing excellent results when fished tight to the banks. Streamer fishing can be particularly productive, especially when targeting larger brown trout. Nymphing remains productive year-round, with Flashback Baetis (#16-18) and bead head copper johns being particularly effective.

Spring runoff can bring stronger, turbid water; later conditions favor working individual seams, riffles and pool edges. Adjust nymph depth and weight to the current. Choose footing and a return route before entering, and fish from the bank where depth or current makes entering unsuitable.

Access

Sha-Ron in East Missoula has designated parking and river entry. The county overflow lot across from Edgewood Drive on Highway 200 connects to the river directly and by a pedestrian path to the FWP site.