Fly Rods
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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A big western Montana river through Missoula with strong dry fly fishing.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Clark Fork River for rainbow trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout. The best months overall are Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov. In October, rainbow trout and brown trout are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (7 fly, 5 bait and tackle); the closest is Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop in Missoula, under 1 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Blackfoot River is 18 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Jun, Sep to Nov
In October
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Clark Fork River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
11 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Parachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly · Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlyHare's Ear Nymph #12-18
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlySan Juan Worm #10-14
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout · After rain.
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Rainbow Trout
Shop This FlySculpin Streamer #2-6
FlyStreamer · Brown Trout · Low light and fall.
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Brown Trout
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Rainbow Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, weight-forward floating line, 9 ft 4X to 5X leader. Add a sink-tip and 3X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6 to 7 ft ultralight or light spinning rod, 1000 to 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb mono or fluorocarbon.
Brown Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.
Cutthroat Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 wt rod, floating line, 9 ft 4X leader. Big foam dries and hoppers in summer.
Spin / Cast 6.5 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 4 to 6 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Clark Fork River
Fly Rods
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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RIO Tapered Trout Leaders
Nine foot tapered leaders in 3X to 6X for dries and nymphs.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Clark Fork River
Fly Shop
Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop
Missoula, Montana· Under 1 mi
Downtown Missoula fly shop offering fly-fishing gear and fishing trips.
Bait & Tackle
Blackfoot River Outfitters
Missoula, Montana· Under 1 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Missoula, MT.
Make It a Trip
Nearby Water
Rivers & Streams · Montana · 18 mi
Blackfoot River
The river of A River Runs Through It, with native westslope cutthroat.
Rainbow Trout · Brown Trout · Cutthroat Trout
Rivers & Streams · Montana · 44 mi
Bitterroot River
Wide, wadeable valley river south of Missoula with heavy caddis and stonefly hatches.
Rainbow trout · Brown trout · Bull trout
Lakes & Reservoirs · Montana · 70 mi
Flathead Lake
Largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi outside Alaska. Lake trout, bull trout, and yellow perch.
Lake trout · Bull trout · Yellow perch