With the removal of the 100 year-old Milltown Dam, you can now experience the Clark Fork River as it was for centuries before. Catch browns, rainbows, and cutthroats to your hearts desire
The Clark Fork River can easily be described as three different rivers. The headwaters are a meandering stream much like the Beaverhead River, and has a predominately brown trout population that are more than willing to attack a streamer or bait fish imitation. As it approaches Missoula, both Rock Creek and the Blackfoot River dump into it before it reaches town. As it winds through Missoula, it turns into more of an urban trout fishery. As it exits Missoula, The Clark Fork meets up with the Bitterroot River and almost doubles in flow size. The species more predominate in this lower stretch is mostly large rainbow trout. For the next 40 miles it remains a large stream as it winds through the Alberton Gorge and its white water section.
On this stream we fish all different techniques including nymph, emergers, dries, and also streamers.
Because of the variety this river has to offer, we can fish different sections without having to feel that we’re on the same river.
Fishing the upper end tends to lean more toward getting out of the boat and wade fishing while the lower stretch we primarily fish from the boat.
We fish this river all season long, except for the upper stretch which tends to be affected more by algae in the late summer. Several years ago the Mill Town Dam was removed east of Missoula which caused the fish in the lower stretch to move up and mix in the upper stretches gene pool.
Because of the diversity of the Clark Fork River it would be easy to spend your entire fly fishing trip exploring this fishery.
A new favorite stretch on the Clark Fork River is the area surrounding the removal of the Mill town dam because of the habitat restoration methods used during the process of clean up with the help of the Clark Fork River coalition.
If you want to specifically fish the Clark Fork River please call us to discuss dates and availability. If you are interested in fly-fishing Missoula’s rivers please contact us about the dates you would like to visit, and we can make some great recommendations based on our extensive experience and your individual fly-fishing goals. Certain rivers afford different opportunities to anglers based upon their level of expertise, so please be honest about your abilities; we want to make sure you have the best experience possible!
Local Full-Day: $650/boat
5-6 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
Local Half-Day $550/boat
3-4 HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
Local Full-Day Missouri River: $800/boat
6+ HOURS ON THE WATER
2 CLIENTS MAX PER BOAT
ANY GIVEN DAY WE COULD HAVE A HOUR AND A HALF DRIVE (1.5 HOURS) TO A
TWO AND A HALF HOUR (2.5 HOURS) DRIVE TO THE MISSOURI RIVER.
• 30-day cancellation policy applies to all trips.
• Deposit Return is subject to a 5% fee.
• Price does not include the recommended guide gratuity of 20%.
Brian Gast2024-04-11I have been fishing with Doug at Clear Creek Outfitters for about 15 years now and I would never go anywhere else. Doug’s knowledge of the rivers and where the fish are is second to none. He always finds a way to put you onto some nice fish! In addition to some great fishing you will always have a great time with Doug, and the lunches👍. So if you are looking for a great day on the river and want to catch some fish this is the only place to go!Gavin Holles2024-04-07Doug was instrumental in delivering a truly epic trip down both the Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. These are remarkable landscapes on their own - made even better by his ability to put you on fish and help even a novice fly fisherman find success! He delivers the whole experience for his clients which makes for a great day on the river. Highly Recommend.railroader232024-03-21Highly recommend Clear Creek Outfitters for drifting the rivers in the Missoula area! Doug Jones is an awesome guide and knows all the sweet spots on the rivers. He's very patient especially if you are a beginner fly fisherman like me lol. Doug showed me new techniques to hone my skills and what I need to look for as a beginning fly fisherman. Hooked up on some big fish but being a beginner it was rod handler error on getting them in the boat. I will definitely be choosing Clear Creek Outfitters again for my next fishing trip down the Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Blackfoot or Missouri River and this time I'll be ready to land that personal best with Doug!!!Joe Reidy2023-07-08I've fished quite a bit and I can say that this was one of my favorite days on the water. Doug got me on the trout within the first two casts. Throughout the day we told fishing stories and got along like old friends fishing. At certain points he'd give me tips on improving my cast, where to drop the fly, alter presentation, or when to set. Other times, he'd let me fish with no critique. He hit the perfect balance. I can't recommend Doug highly enough, 5 stars doesn't do him justice.Ashley May2022-10-18Whether you’re a seasoned fly junkie or a total newbie Doug will go out of his way to accommodate you and adapt to your needs. He has more experience than a lot of the guides I looked into and it really came through. Local info and stories were a nice bonus to a day spent on the Blackfoot as well as a tasty lunch. Don’t look any further if you’ve found Clear Creek!ashreading2022-07-25My Dad and I went out with Doug when waters were high and fishing was tough. Doug got us on fish and gave us a great day. Will definitely recommend to anyone I know looking for a guide in the future.Debra Raines2022-07-24Fantastic time fly fishing. This was my first time fishing. Our guide, Doug, was an excellent instructor and made our trip so much fun.. I actually caught a sizable fish..I can’t wait for our next trip ..Duane Cook2022-07-08What a great way to learn fly fishing! Doug was tremendous. About 6 hours of rapid fire instruction and encouragement. It was so fun! I think I had 9 strikes (my wife about the same) and I even pulling in my dinner: literally. I learned SO MUCH! Doug has a infectious love of fly fishing. We have been out twice since our float down the Bitterroot! Everything we needed to know to get started…casting, mending, watching, how to react when they hit! Doug knows all the great spots and exactly where to put the fly! If you want to learn from a true professional, he is you guy!Jeff Somrock2022-07-08Doug is a true professional. Having never been fly fishing before he taught us to cast and had us pulling fish into the raft almost immediately. Sorry for all the flies we left in the trees we promise to lose less next year!Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 20 reviews
Cell: 406-370-7039
Alternate Cell: 406-531-3776
E-mail: info@clearcreekoutfitters.com
Doug Jones
Montana Outfitter #8453
5400 Arnica Road
Missoula, MT 59803
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We operate under special use permit with the Forest Service and are an equal opportunity provider