Clark Fork River

Once troubled by nearly a century of mining and smelting near its headwaters, the Clark Fork River has made an impressive comeback and is now a productive, often overlooked fishery. What many anglers don’t realize is that this river offers a little bit of everything, making it an incredible destination for a guided fly-fishing trip.

The Clark Fork boasts a diverse menu of hatches throughout the season. Big bugs like salmonflies, golden stones, and nocturnal stoneflies set the stage for classic dry-dropper fishing, while a wide variety of smaller stoneflies, mayflies, and caddis keep trout happily feeding along soft edges and in foamy back eddies. On hot summer days, terrestrial fishing really shines—hungry rainbow trout aggressively chase hoppers and beetles through riffles and seams.

And when you’re ready to change things up, the Clark Fork delivers even more. The river supports a healthy population of northern pike, offering anglers the chance to throw big streamers in slow edges and backwaters for explosive eats. Whether you’re focused on trout or looking to mix in something different, the Clark Fork provides variety, action, and a true Montana fly-fishing experience—one best enjoyed from a drift boat with a knowledgeable guide at the oars.