6/18/2026: Clark Fork River Fishing Report

2026-06-18 (June 18, 2026)

Regional summary

Western Montana is settling into real early-summer fishing. Flows have kept dropping across the region, clarity is improving by the day, and the stonefly show is the headline: Salmonflies are winding down (now mostly upper reaches) while Golden Stones take over everywhere, joined by Green Drakes, PMDs, Yellow Sallies, and caddis filling the dry-fly windows. Big-bug dry-dropper fishing is the dominant game on all four rivers. Rock Creek and the Blackfoot are the standout dry-fly options; the Bitterroot is the safest all-around bet; the Clark Fork is improving and rewards careful water selection. Warm afternoons are in the forecast, so fish the late-morning-through-early-afternoon window and watch water temperatures.

At a glance: Dropping, slightly off color | ~56°F midday | Upper ~4,490 CFS above Missoula, ~8,310 CFS below | GH rating: 3/5 | MAngler: 4/5 | Best window: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The Clark Fork has turned the corner and is in good shape, improving by the day as flows drop and clarity settles in around Missoula. The upper end has cleared up nicely and is the more approachable program; the lower river is still a bigger-water float that rewards edge fishing. Golden Stones are becoming the main focus with Salmonflies fading, and PMDs, Green Drakes, Yellow Sallies, and lots of caddis are active. Caddis are best in the evening; PMDs and Green Drakes show better in cloudy, softer light. Trout are holding along grassy banks, inside bends, soft seams, foam lines, and side channels.

Best techniques

With the water still slightly off color, a nymph rig is the most consistent option: big stonefly patterns like Pat's RLs, Explosion Stones, TJ Hookers, and Zirdles, plus Blowtorches, Shuck Its, Frenchies, Jig PTs, and Prince nymphs. Dry-dropper has been productive up top with Chernobyls, Golden Plan Bs, Dancin Rickys, and Blackout Stones in #8-12; look smaller with Ms. Tickles, Brindlechutes, and the Hi-Vis Micro Chubby when fish key on PMDs. Watch for Goldenstones on the lower river: a Golden Plan B, golden Juicy Stone, or Henry's Fork Goldenstone. Strip or swing Sparkle Minnows, Kreelex Minnows, Mini Dungeons, and Woolly Buggers through slower water and structure.

Hatches

Golden Stones, PMDs, Green Drakes, caddis, Yellow Sallies, and Salmonflies.

The Fly Box

Nymphs: Psycho May, Jigged Hare's Ears

Dries: Chubby Chernobyl, Water Walkers, Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, Purple Haze, Stranahan's Brindle Chute

Streamers: Swim Coach, Peanut Envy

Outlook. Warmer temperatures returning after a brief cool-down, reaching the 80s next week with a mix of sun and clouds. Keep an eye on Friday night into Saturday, when thunderstorms or heavier rain could bump flows or clarity. June and July on the Clark Fork are special and often overlooked. If the river keeps dropping and stays clear, expect steadily improving fishing with excellent dry-fly windows whenever a hatch peaks.

Sources and Thanks

Shop	Report date	Coverage
Blackfoot River Outfitters	June 12, 2026	All four rivers
Kingfisher Fly Shop	June 17, 2026	All four rivers
Grizzly Hackle	June 13, 2026	All four rivers
The Missoulian Angler	June 12, 2026	All four rivers
Lightweight Fly Shop	June 14, 2026	All four rivers, consolidated