Lower Clark Fork River - Below Alberton Gorge | Montana Fly Fishing Reports & Conditions

Look for fish in riffles and faster water since they're definitely in summer runs at this point. Hit the water very early in the morning and expect good dry fly action until about 11:00. Then be ready for dropper hits to make the day.

Fishing Report Last Updated:

8 / 15 / 2018

Choose A Different River Here

Big Hole River
Bighorn River
Bitterroot River
Bitterroot River, East Fork
Bitterroot River, West Fork
Blackfoot River
Clark Fork River
Middle Fork Flathead River
North Fork Flathead River
Flint Creek
Gallatin River
Georgetown Lake
Kootenai River
Madison River, Between Quake Lake and Ennis
Madison River, Below Ennis Lake
Missouri, Below Holter Dam
Rock Creek
Yellowstone River

Fishing Conditions

Fly Fishing Lower Clark Fork River is currently Good

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:
Linehan Outfitting Company

Water flow: Approximately 4000 cfs

Visibility: 40 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 57 Degrees F

Water condition: Clear

Best time of day to fish: late morning throughout the afternoon

Best stretch: Conditions are about the same on all stretches but lower river might offer better fishing since there are more riffles and faster water.

Best access point: All access points are open.

Fly fishing hatches in order of importance:

golden stones, pmds, caddis

Fish species:

Fishing season: March-November

Nearest airport: Six of one/half dozen of the other...Spokane, Washington the west or Missoula, Montana to the east.

Recommended fly fishing leader: 9 Foot Leader

Recommended fly fishing tippet: 4X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 5 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Streamer Stripper Sink Tip Fly Line

Fly Name:	Fly Color:	Fly Size(s):
Sparkle Dun	olive	18
Blue Wing Olive Parachute	olive	16
Adam's Purple Parachute	purple	16,18
Stimulator	standard	12,14
Rosenbauer's CDC Rabbits Foot Emerger	olive	16
Stimulator	natural	16

Pat's stonefly	tan	10
purple chubby	purple	12
pheasant tail	standard	14
bullet head skwala	standard	14

Lower Clark Fork River Description

The Lower Clark Fork River is approximately fifty miles west of Missoula and below the Alberton Gorge. This section of the Clark Fork looks and smells a bit different from the river that runs through Missoula. Above the town of St. Regis the river is broad and runs with very little gradient making for some of the best dry fly water in the state. Below St. Regis the gradient increases as the river runs north ...

Techniques & Tips

Dry/dropper is best bet for the most part.

7-Day Forecast

Conditions are still good. Cool nights are helping to keep water temps down and the river is generally fishing pretty well for this time of year. It's hot again. Expect sunshine and daytime temps in the high 90s through mid week and then a bit cooler with temps in the 80s by the weekend.