Clark Fork River Fishing Report 6.26.26
By Blackfoot River Outfitters
The Clark Fork has officially decided to stop throwing a temper tantrum and is finally open for business. If you’ve been waiting for the river to turn the corner, this is your green light—just make sure you pack a raincoat because Missoula’s weekend forecast is looking thoroughly damp and stuck in the 50s. The fish are currently treating the heavy mid-river current like a bad neighborhood, so bypass the fast stuff entirely. Instead, hunt the soft-water margins, gravel shelves, and large eddies where trout are stacked up like commuter traffic, looking for an easy meal. Oh, and if you’re floating the Turah to Sha-Ron stretch, keep your head on a swivel; there’s a new tree down in the river, and while we don’t have all the gritty details yet, it’s definitely big enough to ruin your afternoon if you aren’t paying attention.
When it comes to your fly box, it’s officially time to play “high-low.” Tie on a big, buoyant Chubby Chernobyl to act as your surface beacon, and hang a tactical mayfly or caddis nymph (think Frenchies or Perdigons) underneath to do the dirty work in the film. Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) are hatching with enthusiasm throughout the day, so if you spot noses breaking the slick flats, switch over to a Flash Cripple or a Para Wulff. We’ve even seen the occasional Green Drake crashing the party. Leave your delicate 6X tippet at home—the water is still a bit off-color, and you’ll want the backbone of a 3X or 4X leader to punch through the afternoon wind. If you need to get dialed in with the exact bugs they’re chewing on today, or want to double-check that river hazard, give the shop a shout at 406.542.7411 or swing on by.
