Trip brief · Clark Fork River
How to go fish the Clark Fork River
The months we list for the Clark Fork River are June, July, August, September, October. You are inside that window now, so this brief is written for August.
August
Reading the gauge…
Flies to tie — August
Grasshopper#8-12
Dave Hopper
Caddis#14-16
Ant#14-18
Access
Schwartz Creek FAS (Clinton)
46.758, -113.573parking
Turah FAS
46.814, -113.927parking
Johnsrud Park
46.897, -114.041parking
Bitterroot FAS (Missoula)
46.858, -114.085parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Montana fishing license required. Bull trout must be released immediately — no retention. Westslope cutthroat trout have catch-and-release only sections in tributaries. Standard trout limit 5 fish on main stem Clark Fork. Check FWP for closed sections and special regulations near tributaries. River open year-round.
Pack list
- A current state fishing licence
- Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
- Net, nippers, forceps
- Floatant and desiccant
- Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
- Water, sun cover, polarised glasses
Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.
Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Clark Fork River page →