Montana
Clark Fork above Missoula
Location Snapshot
Clark Fork above Missoula is a large western Montana trout river entering the Missoula valley from the east. Rainbow and brown trout are principal targets, with cutthroat trout adding native coldwater variety.
Current River Rating
Fair · 57
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Tuesday, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Why
- Air temperature is comfortable for a river trout trip.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 1440 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.63 ft
- Water Temperature
- 46.8 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:00 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 12340500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Overcast
Temperature
56°F
Feels like
51°F
Wind
1 mph SW
Wind gust
1 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 19, 2026, 9:15 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 4 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 8 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 48°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Tue 12 PM
Overcast
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 4 PM
Overcast
Temp 68°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 56°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 14 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 68°F / Low 48°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 53°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 73°F / Low 48°F
Chance 69%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Wild brown and rainbow trout are in the Clark Fork above Missoula.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Clark Fork.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Mixed flow regime
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Missoula, Montana
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Missoula
Management Category
Wild trout river
Regulation Scope
Clark Fork above Missoula.
Regulation Summary
Clark Fork above Missoula: FWP Western District regulations unless an Exception applies. Confirm current closures and boating rules.
Target Species
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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