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

This time of year fish will be moving into off current areas, eddies, and deeper runs. Get nymphs and streamers down and fish them slowly.

Fishing Report Last Updated:

2 / 11 / 2019

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 Fish somewhere else this week

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby:
Linehan Outfitting Company

Water flow: Approximately 4000 cfs

Visibility: 40 inches

Water temperature at mid-day: 48 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:

baetis, midge

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: 5X Tippet

Best fly fishing rod: 9' 5 Weight Fly Rod

Best floating fly line: WF Trout Fly Line

Best sinking fly line: Bank Shot 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
Griffith's Gnat	standard	18
Magic Midge	olive	18
Birchell's Hatching Midge	natural	18

Pat's stonefly	tan	10
purple chubby	purple	12
pheasant tail	standard	14
parachute Adams	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

Winter conditions are upon us. For the most part nymphing and streamers will be the way to go until early spring.

7-Day Forecast

A cold front has entered the area and daytime temps will hover in the teens and low twenties. It's not exactly a user friendly environment out there at the moment and it's probably best to stay at the vice and tie rather than try to fish for a while.