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
Unavailable
Not enough local guidance to rate conditions.
Low confidence
Should I Go?
Not Enough Data
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is available with the current data.
Why
- This river does not yet have enough local fishing guidance to assign a rating.
Cautions
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Blocking Factors
- Configured water observations are currently unavailable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- Not available
- Gage Height
- Not available
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Latest current reading
- Not available
Monitoring temporarily unavailable. · 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
Clear
Temperature
56°F
Feels like
52°F
Wind
2 mph SE
Wind gust
2 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 7:15 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 8 PM
Clear
Temp 55°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 4 AM
Partly cloudy
Temp 52°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Wed 8 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Wed 12 PM
Clear
Temp 62°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Wed 4 PM
Clear
Temp 71°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 62°F / Low 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 10 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 71°F / Low 48°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Drizzle
High 73°F / Low 55°F
Chance 56%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Rain
High 53°F / Low 46°F
Chance 87%
Precip 0.40 in
Max gust 10 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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