Right through Missoula
Clark Fork River Fly Fishing Guide
The hardest-fighting rainbows in the area, big summer dry-fly days and pike on the fly.
Missoula’s home river
The Clark Fork grows some of the strongest-fighting rainbows in the area, and you’ll find pike here too, a blast to chase on a fly rod.
The Clark Fork runs right through downtown Missoula. Above town it’s a medium-size river; below the confluence with the Bitterroot it becomes a big western river with wide riffles, deep seams and long glassy flats where trout rise in pods. It’s the closest float to town, which makes it perfect for half days.
Clark Fork hatches
- Spring: skwalas, March browns and blue-winged olives before runoff.
- Summer: PMDs, caddis and evening spinner falls, then tricos in August mornings.
- August: the spruce moth hatch, when big rainbows eat recklessly along the forested banks.
- Fall: streamers for browns and pike, plus fall baetis on cloudy days.
Pike on the fly
The slower sections of the Clark Fork hold northern pike. Throwing big streamers for a toothy pike is a fun change of pace, and Tom is happy to mix it into a trout day when conditions line up.
Who it’s for
Anglers who want strong fish close to town, dry-fly anglers who love technical rising fish, and anyone short on time.
On the Clark Fork River
From the boat
“After our first experience fishing with him, we were ruined, as no other guide would meet the standard he set. Don’t be surprised when you get a nice trout on and Tom puts on a show spinning the boat to adjust for the fish, and the other boats quickly disappear from view.”
“You definitely need to fish with Tom! He knows where all the fish are and makes sure you have the best time on the river. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced, he will make sure it’s a fantastic experience.”
Questions
Fishing the Clark Fork River: FAQ
Can you fly fish the Clark Fork in Missoula?
Yes. The Clark Fork flows right through town, and floats above and below Missoula are some of the best half day trips in Montana.
Are there pike in the Clark Fork River?
Yes. Northern pike live in the slower sections of the Clark Fork, and they’re a blast on a fly rod with big streamers.
When is the spruce moth hatch?
Usually late July into August, when spruce moths fall from the forested banks and big trout eat them all day.
What size are Clark Fork rainbows?
Fish vary every day, but the Clark Fork is known for thick, strong rainbows that fight harder than their size.
More water
The other rivers we fish
The Bitterroot
Montana’s best dry-fly river and a real shot at a big brown. Skwalas in March, PMDs and drakes in summer, streamers in fall.
Fish this river
The Blackfoot
Cutthroat and rainbows in the canyon country made famous by A River Runs Through It. Big stoneflies and hoppers.
Fish this river
The Missouri
A fish factory below Holter Dam. Consistent flows, thick bug life, and dialed-in dry-fly and nymph fishing almost all year.
Fish this river