The Clark Fork River is the most underrated trout river and the best kept secret in Montana. Because it can be very technical (although sometimes it’s child’s play) and because the fish are to be found in highly unlikely places, many fisherman (and guides) who don’t know the river well can be easily frustrated. Similar in character to a large spring creek, the Clark Fork River winds its way through sandy cottonwood bottoms and low elevation pine forests offering anglers the best opportunity in the area to cast to “pods” of rising fish. It’s also the best opportunity in the Missoula area to be on consistently nice fish all day with the average rainbow/cutthroat hybrid (the predominant trout in the river) being in the range of 15″ to 16″. We also believe, after having fished almost every river in the state, that without question, the Clark Fork fish are the hardest fighting fish any of us have encountered.From early spring season dryfly fishing in April/May, and the early summer season of June/July right through the extremely productive fall season of Sept/Oct, the Clark Fork (of the Columbia, incidentally!) is very consistent and very good fishing.River Flows:
Near Drummond
Above Missoula
At St. Regis
What to Bring
Map and float recommendations of the Clark Fork
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
SNOTEL: Snow – Precipitation Update