Clark Fork - Goldcreek - Montana
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Clark Fork – Goldcreek - Water Flow Chart
Clark Fork – Goldcreek - Weather report & radar
Clark Fork – Goldcreek - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive |
| Skwala Stonefly | Afternoon | 10-14 | Skwala Adult | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive |
| Skwala Stonefly | Afternoon | 10-14 | Skwala Adult | |
| March Brown | Afternoon | 12-14 | March Brown Nymph | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive |
| March Brown | Afternoon | 12-14 | March Brown Nymph | |
| June | Pale Morning Dun | Morning/Afternoon | 14-18 | Pale Morning Dun Dry |
| Yellow Sally Stonefly | Afternoon/Evening | 10-14 | Little Yellow Sally | |
| July | Yellow Sally Stonefly | Afternoon/Evening | 10-14 | Little Yellow Sally |
| Caddis | Evening | 12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| August | Pale Morning Dun | Morning/Afternoon | 14-18 | Pale Morning Dun Dry |
| Caddis | Evening | 12-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon/Evening | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive |
| None | None | None | None | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon/Evening | 16-20 | Blue Wing Olive |
| None | None | None | None | |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
Clark Fork – Goldcreek Access Points
The Clark Fork – Goldcreek area is popular amongst fly-fishing enthusiasts owing to the rich diversity of fish species. The key access points are:
- Alberton Gorge: Located near the small town of Alberton, the gorge offers excellent opportunities for cutthroat trout fishing.
- St. Regis-Paradise Scenic Byway: This stunning byway winds along the Clark Fork River near St. Regis providing plenty of access points with good populations of rainbow and brown trout.
- Thompson Falls Dam: Fishermen at this dam can expect mountain whitefish along with the occasional large rainbow trout.
- Cabinet Gorge Dam: This access point near Noxon, is home to a sizeable population of bull trout.
Use of watercraft is often necessary due to steep banks and deep water. Fly fishers often report their “best catch” at these points in Clark Fork–Goldcreek.
Clark Fork – Goldcreek Fishing Spots
The Clark Fork River – Goldcreek offers some of the best spots for fly fishing, known for its high fish population and clear waters.
- Deer Lodge Valley: Great sport for catching Brown trout, Northern Pike, and Yellow perch. Fly fishing trips can be conveniently planned from May to October.
- Missoula Valley: High density of Rainbow trout and Westslope Cutthroat trout. Best time to fish is during spring runoff and throughout the summer.
- Placid Lake: Easy to catch fish including Rainbow trout and Kokanee salmon, from April through October, right in the calm waters of the lake.
- Rock Creek: March brown hatch is the optimal time for sport fishing here. Abundant trout population makes it a favorite spot among anglers.
Clark Fork River – Goldcreek offers diverse fly fishing opportunities making it an ultimate destination for fishing enthusiasts.
Clark Fork – Goldcreek Local Fish Species
- Trout: The area is predominantly known for trout with species including the Rainbow trout, Westslope Cutthroat trout, and Brown trout.
- Whitefish: The Mountain Whitefish is a common target for fly fishers on the Clark Fork.
- Grayling: The Arctic Grayling is a sought-after catch in this river, particularly known for its distinctive, large dorsal fin.
- Pike: While not as common as the trout species, the Northern Pike is another fish that anglers target on the Clark Fork.
- Bull Trout: The Bull Trout, a char species, is another target for Clark Fork fly fishers, although it’s important to note that anglers need a catch card in order to legally fish for them.
- Large-Mouth Bass: The Clark Fork is also home to the Large-Mouth Bass, making it a diverse fishing location.
- Small-Mouth Bass: Much like the Large-Mouth Bass, the Small-mouth Bass is also common in the river.
- Sturgeon: The Westslope Cutthroat is another target species, although less common and requires a specific fishing strategy.
About the Clark Fork – Goldcreek
Delve into the history of the picturesque Clark Fork-Goldcreek, an unparalleled treasure in the heart of Montana. Originally used by Native Americans, this area was later explored by the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. Offering a rich vein of gold, the Goldcreek’s discovery in the 1860s led to a mini gold-rush, attracting hundreds of prospectors.
This region is teeming with wildlife, natural beauty, and a slice of American history. Unmissable sights include:
- The majestic Clark Fork River, named after William Clark, known for its thrilling white water rafting opportunities.
- The quaint town of Goldcreek, still bearing signs of its historic mining past.
Beyond the beaten path, the Clark Fork-Goldcreek region offers a blend of unparalleled natural heritage and gripping history. A window into a bygone era, this gem continues to coax the modern explorer into its heart.
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