Clark Fork River Fishing Report by Blackfoot River Outfitters 5.16.19
By angelamontana

Posted: May 20, 2019
Blackfoot River Outfitters rated the Clark Fork “poor”, giving it a 2/5 for fishing as of May 16th.

The Clark Fork is big and flooding.  BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!!!

BEST TECHNIQUES – For smaller creeks, stone dry droppers (weather depending) or shorter nymph rigs. Again, depending on what the weather has in store for us, we should start to see some Salmon flies around!
Stillwater… buggers, leeches, and stillwater nymphs. Weather allowing, there maybe some small mayfly dry action.

OUR TIPS OF THE WEEK – The Clark Fork in its entirety is in minor to major flood stage until further notice.
If you are looking to fish this weekend, creek opener is Saturday May 18, which will open up newer, smaller water.
In addition to creeks, there are plenty of stillwater options to go and fish.
All is not lost, just steer clear of the Clark Fork until things start to drop.
As always, please be careful out there.

7 DAY OUTLOOK – More rain in the forecast which won’t help out flooding situation. That said, things should cool down next week which may lead to a slight drop in flows.
We are expected to crest in our flood stage this weekend.

Call or email us for up to the minute updates at 406.542.7411 or if you are in the area stop in our fly shop and say hi at 3055 North Reserve Street in Missoula for all your Orvis gear and the right bugs.

CONDITIONS

coming down after a big bump, still a bunch higher than normal

THE HATCH

Skwalas, numoras, midges, and Salmon flies any day now.

FLY PATTERNS

DRIES – bullet head skwalas #10-8, parachute haze in purple and brown #14-16, chubby #8 NYMPHS – Red beadhead power worm#10, prince #12, phez tails #16, tungsten salvation nymph #14. STREAMERS – olive or natural zonker type pattern #6, sparkle minnow #6, olive or black bead head buggers #8 Don’t forget a few big pike flies and metal leader.

For more information on Blackfoot River Outfitters, click here.
New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing