Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Clark Fork - Goldcreek - Montana

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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.

Best 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.

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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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