Fishing Outlook & Conditions
Temp:
66°
Water Temp:
36
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Tip of the Week
Long drifts close to structure are the name of the game when fishing Skwala imitations. We are talking about inches making the difference between a hungry fish crushing your foam bug or not. Cutting off the dropper and committing to the dry fly will certainly reward you with more dry fly eats, and potentially your best fish of the year. Tuck it in tight and don’t forget to twitch it! *See our 7 Day Outlook for updates on blockages jamming up the Clark Fork.
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Water Flow Data
Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby
Blue Damsel LodgeLinehan Outfitting Company
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Bitterroot Fly Company
5-Day Outlook as of 3/15/24
The weather in Missoula is going to be downright delightful over the next week. High’s in the 60’s are expected with plenty of sunshine. It will be a great week to get out and fish the Clark Fork. *Known Clark Fork Hazards: Clinton-Turah: A few VERY sketchy spots through this section. Do not attempt unless you are very experienced.
Techniques & Tips as of 3/15/24
Nymphing will still be your most effective method on the Clark Fork, and the fishing should improve quite a bit over the next week. Deep, slow pools will still hold most of the fish, but don’t overlook the shallower inside bends. Look for fish rising to midges in the slick water and eddys. Streamer fishing should improve with warmer water temps. March Browns and Skwalas should be in the mix soon, and keep an eye out for BWOs on some of the skuzzier days expected late next week.
Local Species Available Year round; some tributaries closed December 1-third week of May. Check regulations before fishing.
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Rainbows
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cutthroats
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cutbows
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browns and white fish
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns
"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:
Name: | Colors: | Size(s): |
---|---|---|
Bead Head Prince | N/A | #08-12 |
Bead Head Rubber-Legged Orvis CJ | N/A | #08-12 |
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail | N/A | #12-18 |
Vernille San Juan Worm | N/A | #08-10 |
Kreelex | N/A | #6 |
Thin Mint | N/A | #6-10 |
Tunghead Pheasant Tail | N/A | #12-14 |
Lightning Bug | N/A | #12-14 |
Spanish Bullet | N/A | #12-14 |
TJ Hooker | N/A | #08-12 |
Blackfoot River Outfitters's Recommended Gear
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Best Leader:
Super Strong Plus Leaders
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Best Tippet:
SuperStrong Plus Tippet in 30- and 100-meter spools
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Best Fly Fishing Rod:
5-Weight 9' Fly Rod
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Best Floating Fly Line:
WF Trout Fly Line
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Best Sinking Fly Line:
Bank Shot Sink Tip Fly Line