Update: June 7, 2025
Location: Clark Fork River – Missoula, Montana
The Clark Fork is dropping steadily and fishing is heating up as we enter prime early June conditions. Flows near Missoula are around 7550 CFS—still a bit high but steadily clearing and creating excellent opportunities for anglers willing to fish with finesse.
🔥 Hatch Report
Salmonflies are starting to show on the lower river and will continue to move upstream over the coming week. This is the perfect time to dial in on the big bugs as trout begin to key in on them. Alongside salmonflies, golden stones, yellow sallies, and caddisflies are hatching throughout the afternoons and evenings, creating great dry fly action.
🎯 Flies to Throw
Dry Flies:
-
Chubby Chernobyl (orange and tan are favorites right now)
-
Water Walker
-
Plan B
-
Norm Woods Special
Nymphs & Droppers:
-
TJ Hookers
-
San Juan Worms
-
Prince Nymphs
-
Jig Pheasant Tails
-
Duracells
-
Hot Tag Pheasant Tails
💡 Pro Tip
Start your morning with a nymph or dry-dropper rig focusing on stonefly nymphs in seams and pocket water. As the sun warms the river, transition to big foam dries to imitate adult salmonflies. Evenings are fantastic for caddis patterns, especially near structure and willow-lined banks. Stealth and precision are key, especially while fishing higher flows.
☀️ Weather & Outlook
Expect warm, sunny days ahead with highs in the 80s and 90s. These conditions will keep the hatches moving and fish active well into the evening. The Clark Fork is dialed in right now—if you’re ready for some quality dry fly fishing, this is the moment.
📞 Ready to hit the Clark Fork? Call Freestone Fly Shop to book your guided trip with our expert team and experience this iconic river at its best.
Tight lines,
Jeff Gray & the Freestone Fly Shop Team
