Clark Fork River Fishing Report by Blackfoot River Outfitters 8.25.18
By angelamontana

Posted: August 28, 2018

CONDITIONS AT-A-GLANCE

OUR REPORT

Dry droppers have been working and the whole river is fishing well.

  • BEST TECHNIQUES – Dry flies have been productive in the mornings and evenings, and dry-droppers during the day.
  • OUR TIPS OF THE WEEK – Look for tricos emerging in the evening and the spinner fall in the morning. Caddis, hoppers, and other terrestrials have been working, along with dry-droppers during the day.
  • 7 DAY OUTLOOK – Flows will drop along with temperatures. Things are looking good for the next week.
  • 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

The river is in good shape. There is still debris in the water and there are some new channels so if you’re floating take it easy and be careful.

THE HATCH

Tricos, Caddis, Hoppers, Midges.

FLY PATTERNS

DRIES – Griffiths Gnat #18, tan elk hair caddis #12-16, hoppers #8-12 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.

SPECIFICS

Water Flow

952 cfs at Turah with 2680 cfs below Missoula

Link to Water Flow Graph

http://on.doi.gov/1mGllO7

Visibility

Average 5′

Water temperature at mid-day

Upper 60’s near Superior… getting up there!

Water Condition

Running clear

Best time of day to fish

Early morning!

Best stretch

From Warm Spring to Rock Creek is fishable. Rock Creek to Sharon is a little dodgy so be careful.

Best access point

multiple access points all along the river

Fish species

Rainbows, cut throats, cut-bows, browns, and white fish.

Fishing season

Fishing season is open year round, while the winter is catch and release for trout.

Recommended fly fishing leader

9′ 3x

Recommended fly fishing tippet

2x to the first bug 3x to the second unless going small then drop down one size.

For information on Blackfoot River Outfitters, click here.

(feature photo via Paul Coley Underwater Photography)
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