The following report is by Blackfoot River Outfitters:
Fish the Hatch Progression
- Salmonflies usually hatch first, followed by Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies. Have a mix of patterns ready.
- If fish get picky, downsize your dry to a smaller golden stone pattern.
*See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.
7 Day Outlook:
The Clark Fork River corridor between Clinton and St. Regis is forecasted to experience predominantly warm and sunny conditions over the next week. Daytime temperatures are expected to rise into the mid-80s to low 90s°F, with cooler mornings in the upper 40s to low 50s°F. With the river on the drop, fishing should continue to improve.
*Known Clark Fork Hazards:
Beavertail-Clinton: 2 logs down in the left channel just above Clinton. You can sneak through now, but it is tight.
Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.
Best Techniques:
Still mostly a nymph and streamer game on the Clark Fork. Clarity is improving and we should start to see fish rising to PMDs and Yellow Sallies soon.
Steamers: Sculpzilla, Articulated Sparkle Yummy, Sparkle Minnow, Kreelex, Gongas, Dungeons and Envys.
Nymphs: Worms, Trina’s Squirm, Hot Bead Stone, TJ Hooker, Girdle Bugs, Jig Caddis Pupa, Duracell, Blowtorch, Jig Mini Bugger
Specifics
Link to Water Flow Graph
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/uv?site_no=12353000″
Visibility
Great visibility – river is running clear!
Water temperature at mid-day
56F
Water Condition
Great visibility – river is running clear!
Best time of day to fish
Morning to evening.
Best stretch
The whole river is in play. Be wary of hazards on the upper river.
Best access point
Multiple access points all along the river.
Fish Species
Rainbows, westslope cutthroats, cutbows, browns, northern pike, pike minnows, suckers and whitefish.
Fishing Season
Fishing season is open year round.
Nearest airport
MSO (Missoula International Airport)
Recommended fly fishing leader
From a boat – 7.5′ 3x-4x. Wading step it up to 9′
Recommended fly fishing tippet
3X, 4X and 5X will cover 90% of our fishing applications. 1-2X is great for punching out large, wind resistant dries in high dirty water. Don’t drop lower than 10lb for streamers (we recommend a 4-5′ 10lb tapered leader with a sink tip fly line). Leave the 6X at home.
Best fly fishing rod
The 9′ 5WT is our do it all rod. Fast action rods will be best for most of our fishing; foam dries, dry-dropper fishing and nymphing. A fast action 6WT will be useful for large foam dries, small streamers, heavy nymph rigs and punching bugs through the afternoon wind. Bring a 7WT if you plan to fish large articulated streamers.
Best floating fly line
Scientific Anglers MPX or Rio Grand
Best sinking fly line
Scientific Anglers Trout Express or Rio Predator F/I/S3
