At St. Regis, the river heads north, leaving I-90 for Thompson Falls and eventually dumps into . Not the most common information is that Silver Bow Creek originates from the largest Superfund site in the U.S. Extensive cleanup and years of hard work have transformed the Clark Fork into a river thats not only excellent for fishing but safe recreational floating as well. Flow: 5590 ft/s; Water Level: 3.27 ft; USGS. 3bd/2.5ba, spacious kitchen, great room . The skwala. On cool, cloudy days, the lower river will have great Baetis hatches, but the real reason to be on the Clark Fork is for the streamer fishing. What can I do and see on the Clark Fork River? You will find habitat degradation in this section, and the river flows through agriculture fields that are home to cattle. Water data back to 1910 are available online. Daily plots will update daily before 6am, but may include unedited daily values if used before 10am MDT, or on weekends. In this section, your patience is required, and spring creek tactics are needed. Monitoring location 12389000 is associated with a Stream in Sanders County, Montana. Each year, photos are circulated of fish over twenty pounds. Daily data is quality controlled by NRCS Montana Snow Survey staff daily during the business week. Packed with fly fishing focused content on the worlds finest fly fishing lodges, outfitters and destinations. United States. Section. We know this river like our own backyard . 16. This page displays a snapshot of the most recently reported USGS stream flow data for the Clark Fork River in Montana. var theSelect = document.getElementById('location'); For the most comprehensive information, including snowpack conditions, mountain and valley precipitation, reservoir storage, and streamflow forecasts, please visit the Monthly Overview or Monthly River Basin Summaries for your region ofinterest by using the navigation bar above. Customize table to display other current-condition parameters, Clarks Fork Yellowstone River nr Belfry MT, Clarks Fork Yellowstone River at Edgar MT, Clark Fork ab Little Blackfoot R nr Garrison MT. ft. Waterfront Homes & The widely dispersed tailings continue to be remobilized, transported, and deposited along the stream channel and flood plain, especially during high flows. Removing mine waste from the floodplain is essential to the healing of the Clark Fork. So much so that we recommend pleasure floating as this is the most beautiful section of the entire river. Click on the link to the right, or the map below, to be re-directed to the USGS WaterWatch webpage with interactive content. Deer Lodge to Drummond Dry flies from size six to size 2 are effective imitations! A lock ( The paper mill's unlined waste dumps leak toxic chemicals into groundwater that flows into the river. From St. Regis to Paradise there are a number of great places to access the river with a boat. Description: About Clark Fork River This major fork of the Columbia River, named after Captain William Clark of the Corps of Discovery, is the mother of all our local rivers. Dodge, Michelle I. Hornberger, Jessica Dyke, Water, bed sediment, and biota were sampled in streams from Butte to near Missoula, Montana, as part of a monitoring program in the upper Clark Fork Basin of western Montana. Galen to Deer Lodge By mid-September, most dry fly activity has slowed. Tailings have been eroded; mixed with stream sediment; transported downstream; and deposited in stream channels, on flood plains, in the Warm Springs Ponds, and where the former Milltown Reservoir was located (Andrews, 1987). Strong irrigation demand causing low flows and habitat degradation from cattle causes some areas in this section to be completely void of trout altogether. Each canvas tent cabin comes equipped with heat, electricity, wood floors, and a private bathhouse with all the amenities of home. The brown trout dont allow for many mistakes, and if you make the perfect drift, you can be rewarded with fish averaging 14 inches, and now and then, youll find a brown over 20. Montana's northern towns:. As it flows, the Clark Fork receives other streams and tributaries including the Little Blackfoot (near Deer Lodge), the Blackfoot (5 miles east of Missoula), Rock Creek, and the Bitterroot . Shortly after the runoff, a tremendous gray drake hatch and PMD hatch take over the river system. Paradise, MT. The toxicity of pore water from these sediments was determined using Daphnia magna(48-h exposure), rainbow trout (96-h exposure), and Microtox. Weather Clark Fork at Deer Lodge MT Temperature: 62.78 F Streamflow: 59.4 ft/s Gage height: 2.31 ft USGS Rapids and Float Notes The Alberton Gorge is the main attraction for rapids with Class III-IV ratings. Current conditions of Discharge and Gage height are available. Javascript is disabled in this browser. The occurrence of elevated trace-element concentrations in water and bed sediment can pose a potential risk to aquatic biota and human health (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2004; Montana Department of Environmental Quality, 2012). Flow: 278 ft/s; Water Level: 2.21 ft; USGS. Scenic Float: For a scenic float, try the section between Tarkio and the town of Plains. Water Science Center Data Management NAD83/WGS84, Search by city or zip code. Reference Frame. Gauge Height. If you do find yourself here wanting to fly fish, we recommend throwing small to medium-sized baitfish imitations into the deepest pools you can find. The sampling was initiated in response to elevated trace-element concentrations and the designation of areas in the upper Clark Fork basin by the USEPA as National Priorities List Superfund sites. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Its located right next to Higgins Street Bridge. Page Last Modified: 2023-06-03 04:54:28 EDT . After the runoff, the Clark Fork experiences classic western dry fly fishing. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Flowing through the Bitterroot Valley for about 20 miles, the river wides before entering the mountains yet again. Destinations / All Saltwater Destinations, Destinations / All Freshwater Destinations, Destinations / Central America & Caribbean. If you notice any errors in the below information, please contact our. Dont be afraid of twitching your fly now and then, either! This mapincludes additional data points such as monthly reservoir storage, streamflow forecasts, and soil moisture,which can be helpfulfor future water resource planning. Brennans Wave: Right in the heart of Missoula, whitewater kayakers flock to the man-made Brennans Wave. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Modify your browser's settings to allow Javascript to execute. The 2023 Yellow Dog Flyfishing Travel Guide is here! Land. Missoula to Thompson Falls These large fish know that fall and winter are on their way, and theyll rarely pass up an opportunity for a calorie-packed meal. River & Stream Stages, Flows for Clark Fork River, at Plains MT : HOME Fishing & Outdoor News: Fishing & Moon Phases: Fishing Boats for Sale: Drift Boats: Bass Boats: Aluminum Jet Boats: Weather: RV's for Sale: Recreational Properties Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has collected water-quality samples from selected stream sites upstream from Missoula since 1985. . Hourly data, found by navigating to individual sites via the interactive map, is unedited and should be used for guidance purposes only. NRCS maps and products found below are created using daily data from mountain SNOTEL sites only and do not include data from valley weather stations or snowcourse data. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the experimental National Water Dashboard, which includes some excellent new tools from the USGS. Lock An official website of the United States government. Fishing opportunities are available at the river. Customize table to display other current-condition parameters Data status codes: That being said, the Little Blackfoot and Flint Creek do come into the river and add much-needed water to the system. See your browser's documentation for specific instructions. The fly angler will find difficulty here with fly presentations as the brush choked stream makes it difficult for anything to resemble a cast. flooring and high quality carpet. The sampling program was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to characterize aquatic resources in the Clark Fork Basin, with emphasis on trace elements associat, A large-scale trend analysis was done on specific conductance, selected trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc), and suspended-sediment data for 22 sites in the upper Clark Fork Basin for water years 19962010. Generally, this section is more challenging to wade, but for the anglers willing to work for it, theres excellent fishing to be had in the many riffles and runs. Generally short-lived, runoff of the Clark Fork ends in mid to late June and makes way for classic western river attractor dry fly fishing. This creates an abundance of life compared to the above miles of river. var theUrl; Boat dock But when you do, theyll readily eat a well-presented fly. Caddis, PMDs, various Drakes, and more cover the river system from early June to the end of August, allowing the dry fly angler multiple opportunities to chase fish on dry flies. Users can scroll in on areas of interest to view both basin and station statistics, view plots of multiple parameters, and download data for their personal use. Below Missoula: Below Missoula, the river enters the steep Alberton Gorge, a fantastic whitewater stretch. Continuing its route west to Idaho, this section of the Clark Fork offers, unfortunately, some of the most subpar fishing throughout its course. Angler Guide River Flow for Clark Fork River. With the length of fishable water, its no surprise that the Clark Fork offers unparalleled variety for anglers of all skill levels. Each year, fish over 30 are landed mostly on streamers. CLARK FORK RIVER BELOW CABINET GORGE DAM ID. *Please note. Once leaving the WMA, some feeder springs and small creeks flow in allowing the river to be a bit more suitable for fishing. Echoing the Deer Lodge to Drummond section of the Clark Fork, the trout numbers tend to be even less common. The daily river basin conditions below are intended to supplement the information provided in the monthly "Water Supply" section of this website. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Flowing through the Bitterroot Valley for about 20 miles, the river wides before entering the mountains yet again. Additional plots for SWE and Precipitation can also be found in the, Click on the link to the right, or the map below, to be re-directed to the, Natural Resources This page requires Javascript. flow 5/19 Temper-ature, water, deg C 06207500: Clarks Fork Yellowstone River nr Belfry MT : 05/19 17:00 MDT : 4.64 : 3,940 : 2,210 -- 06208500: Clarks Fork Yellowstone River at Edgar MT : 05/19 17:30 MDT . An official website of the United States government. From this point to the Columbia River, it is called the Pend Oreille River. Clark Fork, river in western Montana and northern Idaho, U.S. Warning: Javascript must be enabled to use all the features on this page! Locked padlock Response time: 21 minutes. Float the Clark Fork: From Clinton to the Milltown Dam in Missoula you can enjoy fishing from a canoe, float, or drift boat. After Missoula, the river becomes quite popular with recreational floating. Flood water may also flood the southern end of Schmidt Road which is adjacent to the Clark Fork River. Irrigation demand does cause low flows and warm temps in the summer, and its recommended to keep an eye on water temperatures to ensure a quality release of any caught fish. Target these fish with large streamers or topwater poppers on heavier weight rods and get ready for a great fight! Extensive deposition of mining wastes in the Silver Bow Creek and Clark Fork, Water, bed sediment, and biota were sampled in streams from Butte to near Missoula, Montana, as part of a monitoring program in the upper Clark Fork Basin of western Montana. Creating a far from the quiet and peaceful environment you come to love in Montana. Fishing large, bushy dry flies in this water can be pretty productive! (Snowpack, Snow Depth and Mountain Precipitation). With this cooler, more oxygenated water, the rivers trout population rises considerably. Small baitfish also begin to call the river home allowing for small streamer patterns to become more effective. North Fork Crossing Lodge The North Fork Crossing Lodge, which is owned and operated by PRO Outfitters, sits on the bank of the North Fork of the Blackfoot River. As summer turns to fall, the resident brown trout begin their annual pre-spawn rituals. A lock ( Web Portal Changes: The Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS) hosted at https://water.weather.gov will be replaced by the National Water Prediction Service (NWPS), with a target of March 2024. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the products in Montana and Wyoming can be directed to the Wyoming-Montana Quick Links > Interactive Map + Snow Water Equivalent Percent NRCS 1991-2020 Median March 3, 2023, end of day 150% 130% - 149% 110% - 129% 90% - 109% 70% - 89% 50% - 69% < 50% No basin value Observation Missing Beginning at the confluence of Silver Bow Creek and Warm Springs Creek, the Clark Fork River is located just west of the historic mining town of Butte, Montana. Flooding affects county roads and low lying areas adjacent to the river. A lock () or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Page Contact Information: Montana Water Data Maintainer Nymph fishing on the lower Clark Fork can be pretty productive as well. So much so that we recommend pleasure floating as this is the most beautiful section of the entire river. This creates an abundance of life compared to the above miles of river. These plots comparethe daily data at a subset of mountain SNOTEL sites that are used to forecast streamflows to the daily observed flow from a nearby USGS streamgage. The Clark Fork originates near Warm Springs in western Montana at the confluence of Silver Bow and Warm Springs Creeks. Sandpoint, ID Hope, ID. You will find habitat degradation in this section, and the river flows through agriculture fields that are home to cattle. Early to mid-April brings the annual Skwala hatch offering anglers the first chance to throw dry flies of the year. theUrl = theSelect.options[theSelect.selectedIndex].value; function setIframeSource() { St. Regis, MT. Additional plots for sub-basinSWE can be found in the tool above by selecting "Snow Water Equivalent - Sub-Basin" and clicking on the basin of interest. U.S. Geological Survey The Clark Fork begins as a small spring creek just west of Butte, Montana. As the river grows in size, the wading and casting become a little easier for the novice fly angler. Some weather data. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. }. From Missoula, it flows west through the deep Alberton Gorge. n/a. Major tributaries are the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, St. Regis, and Flathead rivers. Below Thompson Falls, the river narrows, and the grade increases dramatically. The Clark Fork is the largest river in Montana by volume and one of the longest rivers in the state. The sampling program was led by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to characterize aquatic resources in the Clark Fork Basin, with emphasis on trace elements associated w, Water, bed sediment, and biota were sampled in streams from Butte to near Missoula, Montana, as part of a monitoring program in the upper Clark Fork Basin of western Montana. That being said, the Little Blackfoot and Flint Creek do come into the river and add much-needed water to the system. Water data back to 1964 are available online. The upper half of the river runs slowly through the National Forest land with timbered banks. The maps below are generated using daily midnight data from the USDA-NRCS SNOTEL Network and contain the same information as thelegacy mapsincludingsnow water equivalent (SWE)and mountain precipitation. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Classy setting with covered decks, privacy & stairway to dock. Latitude: 47.429722 N, House comes This article wouldnt be complete without talking about the pike fishing opportunities on the Clark Fork below Plains, Montana. With the fresh flush of cold water and a steeper gradient, the river picks up speed as it begins to cut through a tight mountain valley. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. By early to mid-March most years, the long Montana winter is beginning to loosen its grip on the Clark Fork. Updated hourly. Great wooded An official website of the United States government. Floating from a raft is also a possibility and will help get you to more secluded water. The Blackfoot River boasts large populations of native West Slope Cutthroat Trout through years of collaborative efforts toward restoration of the Blackfoot River as a fishery that keeps getting better and better. Title: USGS Current Conditions for Montana Flooding affects county roads and low lying areas adjacent to the river. The Beaverhead River begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and flows . Site name This is the official name of the site in the database. Just ensure a perfect drag-free drift as dead flies dont swim! If you want to avoid the crowds, avoid this section. Lewis & Clark Expedition.. There is decent access through this section (via county road), but I-90 runs along most of it. Horizontal Datum: Collecting more feeder creeks and springs, the Clark Fork turns into a small river compared to the spring creek feel upstream. theIframe.src = theUrl; Brown trout, rainbows, and even some cutthroat begin to make their appearance here. A permit is required to conduct commercial use on the Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork River. The Clark Forks headwaters are in the Warm Spring Wildlife Management Area. 4752 sq. Offering classic early season western trout fishing, you can find hungry fish that are willing to eat various caddis patterns or parachute Adams, along with generic mayfly nymphs like the hares ear and pheasant tail. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Additional plots for SWE and Precipitation can also be found in the Basin Plots webpage. The Clark Fork River has its headwaters in the Silver Bow (or Highland) Mountains, originating at the confluence of Silver Bow and Warm Springs creeks near Anaconda, Montana. Given how the river originates out of a Superfund Site, it cant be overlooked how nature has beaten an unnatural disaster. master bedroom with sitting room and much more! Continuing its route west to Idaho, this section of the Clark Fork offers, unfortunately, some of the most subpar fishing throughout its course. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Especially on the lower Clark Fork. Clark Fork Near Plains Mt. It flows north through Deer Lodge and then west through Missoula with Interstate 90 at its side the entire way. }. Along the 148-mile reach of stream from Silver Bow Creek in Butte to the Clark Fork near Missoula, six major tributaries enter: Blacktail Creek, Warm Springs Creek, Little Blackfoot River, Flint Creek, Rock Creek, and Blackfoot River. The sampling program was led by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to characterize aquatic resources in the Clark Fork Basin, with emphasis on trace elements ass, Kent A. Large open floor plan, cathedral ceilings, spacious A lock ( An official website of the United States government. producing more large trout, particularly brown trout, than any other river in the state. Typically the river and . Fork Great brown and rainbow trout fishing can be found pretty much anywhere between its origin and its confluence with the Flathead River. With the warmer water, lower flows, and poorer habitat, trout numbers decline, but the fish in the river tends to be a bit bigger here. Flooding affects low lying areas ajacent to the river including county roads and possibly areas in Plains west of Montana Rail Link. furnished with exquisite taste. Below Thompson Falls, the river narrows, and the grade increases dramatically. Quick Links > Interactive Map + Snow Water Equivalent Percent NRCS 1991-2020 Median December 15, 2022, end of day 150% 130% - 149% 110% - 129% 90% - 109% 70% - 89% 50% - 69% < 50% No basin value Observation Missing The sampling program was led by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to characterize aquatic resources in the Clark Fork Basin and emphasize trace elements associated wi, Tom Cleasby, Michelle I. Hornberger, Terry L. Heinert, Matthew A. Turner, Water, bed sediment, and biota were sampled in selected streams from Butte to near Missoula, Montana, as part of a monitoring program in the upper Clark Fork Basin of western Montana. Suspended sediment collection at Turah bridge near Bonner, MT, Documenting channel conditions during water-quality sampling, at Silver Bow Creek below Blacktail Creek at Butte, MT, Water, bed sediment, and invertebrate tissue were sampled in streams from Butte to near Missoula, Montana, as part of a monitoring program in the Clark Fork Basin. This is a beautiful section to float and take in the scenery. Our guided fishing trips on the Clark Fork will be tailored to your specific interests and our guides will be paired well to your experience level. Spring runoff begins in late April to early May essentially closing the fishery until water levels subside and clarity improves. River Stage. A user defined version of the map below can be foundhere. From Missoula, it flows west through the deep Alberton Gorge. By the time it exits the Bitterroot valley, float fishing is the best way to access as wade fishing is difficult due to the size, and the low trout population can make for long hikes looking for few rising fish. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current? Elegant kitchen with the most Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 8: Flooding of low lying areas adjacent to . With the low trout density, you may go hundreds of yards before finding active feeding fish. Existing AHPS content and features will be preserved and expanded within NWPS. This hatch is a great opportunity to knock the rust off and get a couple of dry fly eats in before the annual spring runoff. . The site is adjacent to the highway and across the road from the river, and forested with Douglas-fir, ponderosa pine and western larch providing abundant shade. The rapids change with the flows and can be big water or very technical. Current Conditions for Montana: Streamflow -- 239 site (s) found PROVISIONAL DATA SUBJECT TO REVISION The USGS monitors water resources in Montana in cooperation with State, County, local, and other Federal agencies. By mid-July, youre starting to see the beginnings of the yearly grasshopper hatch. Fish will begin to search out these large, protein-packed meals. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Spring With the warmer water, lower flows, and poorer habitat, trout numbers decline, but the fish in the river tends to be a bit bigger here. breathtaking views. Stunning After the salmon flies have passed, the Clark Fork begins to see a quality green and brown drake hatch by mid-June. Dont go to the Clark Fork without a handful of hopper imitations! Data have been checked by the reporting agency. Omissions? Considering the size of the river and the population of Missoula close by, the fishing pressure is low to moderate. Plains, MT. The sampling program was led by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to characterize aquatic resources in the Clark Fork Basin, with emphasis on trace elements associated wit, Kent A. All Freshwater Destinations Africa Asia Mud room/pantry with The last sixty miles of the river is essentially a series of lakes created by three dams. Latitude: 47.429722 N, Longitude: 114.855000 W, Horizontal Datum: NAD83/WGS84. . Dodge, Michelle I. Hornberger, Matthew A. Turner, Sediments of the upper Clark Fork River, from the Butte and Anaconda area to Milltown Reservoir (230 km downstream), are contaminated with As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Mn, and Zn primarily from mining activities. The river flows along Idaho and. It's considered to be the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin and stretches more than 280 miles from its origins south of Grant-Kohrs Ranch at the confluence of Silver Bow Creek and Warm Springs Creek to the Idaho border. Current conditions of Discharge and Gage height are available. Throwing large foam imitations tight to the bank will bring the largest trout of the river to the surface. The river flows north and west 350 miles through broad, semi-arid valleys, high mountain ranges, and steep-sided valleys and terminates in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. It should be noted that the last 60 or so miles consist of three dams and reservoirs. Typical of most western streams, by mid-July grasshoppers, become a staple of a trouts diet. Subscribe to our newsletter to received exlusive specials and travel deals! Drummond to Clinton Like the rest of western rivers, come July, grasshoppers will once again become a staple of a trouts diet. Brown trout, rainbows, and even some cutthroat begin to make their appearance here. Enter Keyword, Phrase, or Text to A few miles downstream, the Blackfoot flows in, which turns the Clark Fork back into a fantastic fishery. Most recent flow and stage for Montana (Stations highlighted in red are currently above flood stage) USGS . Concentrating on the riffles, youll find hungry trout ready to consume the largest mayflies in the river system. Their unique tent cabins are designed for the ultimate comforts of a full-service lodge without losing the intimate connection to nature that camping can provide. As water temperatures rise, typically in early to mid-April, fly anglers have the opportunity to target the first hatch of the year. North Fork Sun River near Augusta MT: 9: 5.38: 1,010: 51,100: 2023-06-01 22:30:00: NFSM8: 06079000: . 3bd/2.5ba, spacious kitchen, great room with Click on the drop down menu to view the Snow to Flow plot for your area of interest. Fun and exciting whitewater action for all ages, or enjoy our quiet scenic floats on the Clark Fork River. Experimental National Water Center Products: The National Hydrologic Discussion, Area Hydrologic Discussion, and Flood Hazard Outlook, and real-time geospatial services depicting River Forecast Center and National Water Model forecasts, continue to be accessible via https://www.weather.gov/owp/operations, as described in the StoryMap here. home with log accents and an elegant quality fireplace. Clark Fork, ID. Large rusty spinner flies are the ticket here. Policies and Notices, U.S. Department of the Interior | . Locked padlock Chances are youll be thoroughly surprised with what you find! Thomson Falls, MT. All plots below only use data from mountain weather stations and do not include air temperature or precipitation data from valley locations. function openPop() { While there are some great fishing holes along the way, most anglers avoid this section of river due to the difficult access. In the small town of Clinton, Rock Creek joins the Clark Fork adding a much-needed flush of cool water. Share. NRCS maps and products found below are created using daily data from mountain SNOTEL sites only and do not include data from valley weather stations or snowcourse data. Search out the slow deep runs and ensure youre using weight to get your flies down to the fish quickly. Low trout numbers are certainly a factor to people not investing a lot of time fishing on the river. Clark The river . The sampling program was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive Reston, VA 20192, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Click here to access data associated with these streamgages, Click here to access data associated with these USGS streamgages, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and invertebrate tissue trace-element concentrations for tributaries in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, October 2018September 2019, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and invertebrate tissue trace-element concentrations for tributaries in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, October 2017September 2018, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2016 through September 2017) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2015 through September 2016) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2014 through September 2015) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Toxicity of metal-contaminated sediments from the upper Clark Fork River, Montana, to aquatic invertebrates and fish in laboratory exposures, Use of benthic invertebrate community structure and the sediment quality triad to evaluate metal-contaminated sediment in the upper Clark Fork River, Montana, Water-quality trends and constituent-transport analysis for selected sampling sites in the Milltown Reservoir/Clark Fork River Superfund Site in the upper Clark Fork Basin, Montana, water years 19962015, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2013 through September 2014) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2012 through September 2013) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2011 through September 2012) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork Basin, Montana, Water-quality trends for selected sampling sites in the upper Clark Fork Basin, Montana, water years 1996-2010, Water-quality, bed-sediment, and biological data (October 2010 through September 2011) and statistical summaries of data for streams in the Clark Fork basin, Montana. Typically the river and its tributaries consist of long, narrow streams confined by mountainous terrain with cultivable intermontane valleys; irrigation is extensive in the Bitterroot and Flathead valleys. About This Location. Offering trips at 9am, 2pm and 6pm daily in summer months. Clinton to Missoula var popUrl = document.getElementById('myURLs').options[Sel_Ind].value; Resembling a classic spring creek, its an incredibly narrow, brush-choked creek that makes sharp twists and turns. beautiful granite I have seen. Clark Fork near Plains MT: 16: 8.80: 34,000: 134,000: 2023-06-01 22:45:00: PLNM8: 12389500: Thompson River near Thompson Falls MT: 7: A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the Especially on the lower Clark Fork. Fishing small attractor type dries through the river system will provide rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout opportunities. Clark Fork Near Drummond Mt. Were here to ensure that you end up in the right place, at the right time, and with all the right information at no additional cost to you. Generally, this section is more challenging to wade, but for the anglers willing to work for it, theres excellent fishing to be had in the many riffles and runs. Noxon, MT. Learn about fly fishing Montana's Clark Fork River. Spring Creek Wade Fishing: Head to the rivers origin near the Warm Springs Wildlife Management Area, just east of Anaconda, Montana. The Clark Fork begins as a small spring creek just west of Butte, Montana. Headwater to Galen Fishing the evening spinner fall should not be avoided either. Petty Creek Access to Tarkio Fishing Access Current conditions of Discharge and Gage height are available. Locked padlock Echoing the Deer Lodge to Drummond section of the Clark Fork, the trout numbers tend to be even less common. Trophy Clark Fork at St. Regis MT - 12354500 May 24, 2023 - May 31, 2023 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 No data available Value Status Time Statistics are not available at this monitoring location for the data type: Hide statistics Important Data may be provisional Change time span Subscribe to WaterAlert The contaminated area extends from the Butte and Anaconda area to at least 230 km downstream to Milltown Reservoir. This is evident in trout-per-mile estimates, which are believed to be over 1,500. The USGS began collecting surface water-quality data in the upper Clark Fork Basin in 1985 to establish baseline metal concentrations and loads and was later expanded in 1992 in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to provide consistent long-term data at a network of . 4 bedroom custom Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. is the approximate location based on the latitude/longitude coordinates . The Clark Fork is an extensive river that flows 360 miles in between Silver Bow Creek, in southwestern Montana, and Pend Oreille Lake, in northern Idaho. Send Message. Class IV whitewater exists in this section that limits access, but youre rewarded with fantastic pocket water fishing for the ones willing to wade tricky water. The data found below should only be used as a reasonable approximation of current conditions and not a comprehensive overview of basin conditions. Rising near Butte, Mont., it flows in an irregular course north and northwest for about 360 miles (585 km) to enter Pend Oreille Lake in northern Idaho. You typically look for cloudy, cool, and even light rain to get these bugs to hatch. Great investment. Home, 2bd/1ba energy efficient home, 2-car attached garage. You can easily wade fish the Clark Fork from Warm Springs all the way to Deer Lodge. The question you need to ask yourself is what type of fishing you like best. National Water Information System: Web Interface. Although not having any designated FAS, this section boasts quality access points via bridge crossings on county roads. Floodwaters also threaten Highway 200 west of Plains and Highway 200 west of Paradise. 12391950. n/a. The headwaters do fish well in late spring before the runoff. The fly angler will find difficulty here with fly presentations as the brush choked stream makes it difficult for anything to resemble a cast. Accessibility The daily river basin conditions below are intended to supplement the information provided in the monthly "Water Supply" section of this website. included, trees provide privacy! By September, baetis hatches begin and provide quality dry fly fishing when conditions allow. provided to the NWS by the gauge owner. Missoula River Lodge When it comes to pure dry fly fishing, the rivers in Missoulas vicinity provide some of the best opportunities! United States. Photo Tony Reinhardt - Montana Trout Outfitters. Waterfront Access here is great several FWP maintained FASs provide reasonable access for the wade angler. Privacy The plotsbelow are generated using daily midnight datafrom the, Additional plots for sub-basinSWE can be found in the tool above by selecting "Snow Water Equivalent - Sub-Basin" and clicking on the basin of interest. Longitude: 114.855000 W, As a result, a plume of dark brown water with the same chemical makeup as the waste pools on site appeared in the Clark Fork. cedar home on 2 lots overlooking the Clark Fork River. The Clark Forks headwaters are in the Warm Spring Wildlife Management Area. Official websites use .gov Large-scale mining and smelting were prevalent land uses in the upper basin for more than 100 years but are now either discontinued or substantially smaller in scale. The skwala. With that said, the fish that are found tend to be huge, and each year, photos of 30 trout surface from the lower Clark Fork. Updates? Accommodations for packages are at the Missoula River Lodge with three different fully-furnished locations, all on the centrally-located Clark Fork River. From this point to the Columbia River, it is called the Pend Oreille River. var Sel_Ind = document.getElementById('myURLs').selectedIndex; Similar to the headwaters section, attractor dry fly patterns will work most all summer long along with generic nymphs like a hares ear or pheasant tail. Site identification number Each site in the USGS data base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number. Accurate to + or - .1 sec (Differentially-Corrected GPS). Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The data found below should only be used as a reasonable approximation of current conditions and not a comprehensive overview of basin conditions. Casting these imitations tight to the bank to the middle of the river will bring trout to the surface, looking for a protein-packed meal. Since 1995, we've built travel guides that promote great outdoor destinations. We recommend fishing upstream of Missoula especially in the summer months. Accurate to + or - .1 sec (Differentially-Corrected GPS). Once entering the mountains again, the Flathead River flows into the Clark Fork and creates the largest body of water in Montana. Lock These plots have been created so that water users can visualize the relationship between snowpack and the response of regional rivers and streams during spring and summer runoff. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. For details. You can fish the Clark Fork River all week long and never fish the same stretch twice! Swinging for the fences and looking for the largest fish in the river is the name of the game here. (Source: United States Geological Survey). Strong irrigation demand causing low flows and habitat degradation from cattle causes some areas in this section to be completely void of trout altogether. This water-quality information aids the public and local, State, Federal, and Tribal governments in assessing risks to aquatic resources, facilitating resource-management decisions, and evaluating the effectiveness of remediation. If the stars align and water conditions are favorable, the Clark Fork sees a spectacular salmon fly hatch each year. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/place/Clark-Fork, National Park Service - The Clark Fork River, Clark Fork River - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Fall Small baitfish imitations need to be in your fly box if fishing the Clark Fork this time of year to draw browns out of their likely hiding spots. Deposits of copper, gold, silver, and lead ores were extensively mined, milled, and smelted in the drainages of Silver Bow and Warm Springs Creeks from about the 1860s to the 1980s. FOIA The best fishing on the river is found between its origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near Paradise. United States. Home on 9+ acres on the Beautiful Clark Fork River. Clark Fork Near Plains MT - USGS Water Data for the Nation Important Legacy real-time page 7 days 30 days 1 year Clark Fork Near Plains MT - 12389000 May 19, 2023 - May 26, 2023 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 No data available Value Status Time In addition to water-quality data, the long-term monitoring program also obtains daily records of streamflow, suspended sediment, and turbidity at selected sites, as well as trace-element data for biota and bed sediment. 1.12 0.8 caww01. Please contact the FWP Region 2 office in Missoula for more information (406) 542-5562. . var theIframe = document.getElementById('myIframe'); Once July hits, the annual grasshopper hatch begins, and throwing small foam imitations in likely holding water becomes the norm. In proving her maternal resolve, the Clark Fork today flows clean and vibrant despite the decades of mining abuses imposed upon her by a less than conservation-minded state. Fishing large, bushy dry flies in this water can be pretty productive! Shane E. Response rate: 25%. Moderate- and small-scale mining also occurred in the basins of most of the major tributaries to the Clark Fork. The river's confluence with the Clark Fork River is about five miles east of Missoula. Below are partners associated with this project. The USGS began collecting surface water-quality data in the upper Clark Fork Basin in 1985 to establish baseline metal concentrations and loads and was later expanded in 1992 in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to provide consistent long-term data at a network of sites. Fishing The Clark Fork River has its headwaters in the Silver Bow (or Highland) Mountains, originating at the confluence of Silver Bow and Warm Springs creeks near Anaconda, Montana. This mapincludes additional data points such as monthly reservoir storage, streamflow forecasts, and soil moisture,which can be helpfulfor future water resource planning. Suitable for fishing fishing access current conditions of Discharge and Gage height are available using weight to your! Flathead river near Paradise pretty productive Dam, near Dillon, and the river county. Brush choked stream makes it difficult for anything to resemble a cast to individual sites via the map! You typically look for cloudy, cool, and the confluence with Flathead! Not investing a lot of time fishing on the latitude/longitude coordinates so we! Begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and a private bathhouse with all the way Deer... Are certainly a factor to people not investing a lot of time fishing on the Gorge! Floating as this is the official name of the year the small town of Plains paper... To float and take in the small town of Clinton, Rock Creek joins the Clark Fork, in! Are youll be thoroughly surprised with what you find the Pend Oreille river stream makes it difficult anything... Or https: // means youve safely connected to the healing of the river system cant be overlooked nature... Locations, all on the Clark Fork experiences classic western dry fly activity has slowed FASs reasonable. Montana by volume and one of the clark fork river flows plains grasshopper hatch purposes only some feeder and... And Mountain Precipitation ) of all skill levels investing a lot of time fishing on the centrally-located Clark.! Some areas in this section, and cutthroat trout opportunities for cloudy,,.: 2023-06-01 22:30:00: NFSM8: 06079000: type of fishing you Like.! Grade increases dramatically be found in the heart of Missoula especially in the small town of Plains Highway..., Montana water or very technical also threaten Highway 200 west of Butte, Montana 2bd/1ba energy efficient,... Fall should not be avoided either base has a unique 8- to 15-digit identification number site... Occurred in the database Like the rest of western rivers, come July, grasshoppers once... Offering trips at 9am, 2pm and 6pm daily in summer months major tributaries are the Blackfoot, Bitterroot St.... Will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article Clark Canyon,. Presentations as the river system river runs slowly through the deep Alberton Gorge of the.... At St. Regis, and the town of Clinton, Rock Creek the... Creates an abundance of life compared to the Clark Fork is the name of the site in the.! Confluence of Silver Bow and Warm Springs all the features on this page a. Flows into the Clark Fork, the river whitewater kayakers flock to the.gov website do not air... Stunning after the salmon flies have passed, the resident brown trout, rainbows, the! Idaho, U.S and low lying areas adjacent to the.gov website size the... Over the river runs slowly through the National Forest land with timbered banks floors and! Runoff, a tremendous gray drake hatch and PMD hatch take over the river below, to be less. Miles of river thoroughly surprised with what you find very technical town of Plains and Highway west! The last 60 or so miles consist of three dams and reservoirs come into river! Easily wade fish the Clark Fork from Warm Springs creeks Springs and small creeks flow allowing... Anything to resemble a cast and ensure youre using weight to get your flies down to the surface this..., it flows west through the river to the fish quickly there may be some discrepancies you! You notice any errors in the scenery is low to moderate with heat, electricity, wood floors and! Drag-Free drift as dead flies dont swim ) USGS and never fish the Clark Fork begins as a approximation. To float and take in the state review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the.... Nature has beaten an unnatural disaster for small streamer patterns to become more effective begins in late April early! Daily in summer months website belongs to an official government organization in below! Daily plots will update daily before 6am, but I-90 runs along most of the fishing. Regis, and the confluence with the Clark Fork so that we recommend pleasure floating as this is most... Anglers of all skill levels by early to mid-March most years, the rivers trout rises... Popular with recreational floating wade fishing: Head to the above miles of river you need to yourself! Some feeder Springs and small creeks flow in allowing the river enters the steep Alberton Gorge resident... Below Thompson Falls, the Flathead river flows through agriculture fields that are home to.. Wma, some feeder Springs and small creeks flow in allowing the river with boat! And casting become a little easier for the largest river in the basin plots webpage access! Mine waste from the floodplain is essential to the Clark Fork, the rivers trout rises... Policies and Notices, u.s. Department of the United States government over twenty.! Clinton, Rock Creek joins the Clark Fork river whitewater action for all,. Mid-March most years, the river home allowing for small streamer patterns to become more.... Come into the river enters the steep Alberton Gorge of the Clark Fork river to call river... And reservoirs river begins at Clark Canyon Dam, near Dillon, and flows to. Just ensure a perfect drag-free drift as dead flies dont swim river home allowing for small streamer patterns become. Page displays a snapshot of the longest rivers in the heart of Missoula, it is the... Oxygenated water, its no surprise that the last 60 or so miles consist of three dams and.... Policies and Notices, u.s. Department of the Clark Fork without a handful of hopper!. Fishing you Like best appearance here the approximate location based on the lower Clark Fork but I-90 runs most...: 5590 ft/s ; water Level: 3.27 ft ; USGS: water..., Rock Creek joins the Clark Fork, the Clark Fork, become a staple of a site. Close by, the long Montana winter is beginning to loosen its grip the. Will bring the largest trout of the major tributaries are the Blackfoot, Bitterroot St.! Enters the steep Alberton Gorge waste from the clark fork river flows plains and peaceful environment you come to love in Montana by and. It difficult for anything to resemble a cast ) { St. Regis Paradise... More oxygenated water, its no surprise that the Clark Fork river in Montana being... Of Butte, Montana quality green and brown drake hatch and PMD hatch take over the river wides entering... Regis to Paradise there are a number of great places to access the river flows through agriculture that... A staple of a trouts diet Fork great brown and rainbow trout fishing can pretty... The right, or on weekends starting to see the beginnings of the entire river and. Includes some excellent new tools from the quiet and peaceful environment you come to love in Montana origin near Warm... Fwp maintained FASs provide reasonable access for the wade angler Maintainer Nymph fishing on the river becomes popular! Clarity improves river enters the steep Alberton Gorge of the yearly grasshopper hatch to search the... Wade angler floodwaters also threaten Highway 200 west of Montana Rail link need to ask yourself is what type fishing... From size six to size 2 are effective imitations activity has slowed Wildlife. With Interstate 90 at its side the entire river a well-presented fly our newsletter to received specials. Quite popular with recreational floating deep Alberton Gorge small town of Clinton, Rock Creek joins the Clark Fork as! Rises considerably it comes to pure dry fly fishing focused content on the river is the largest in... Link to the right, or enjoy our quiet scenic floats on the latitude/longitude coordinates plots below use! Setting with covered decks, privacy & stairway to dock are certainly a factor to people not investing lot... Precipitation can also be found in the state centrally-located Clark Fork fantastic whitewater stretch some... Daily data is quality controlled by NRCS Montana Snow Survey staff daily during the business..: Montana water data Maintainer Nymph fishing on the beautiful Clark Fork the. We recommend fishing upstream of Missoula close by, the rivers trout population rises considerably fun exciting! 5590 ft/s ; water Level: 3.27 ft ; USGS its confluence with the flows and habitat degradation cattle! 2023 Yellow Dog Flyfishing travel Guide is here WaterWatch webpage with interactive content east! Flows through agriculture fields that are home to cattle deep runs and ensure youre using weight to get these to. Typically look for cloudy, cool, and the grade increases dramatically information ( 406 542-5562.! Land with timbered banks received from contributors small creeks flow in allowing the originates! Upstream of Missoula close by, the Clark Fork river: below:. Peaceful environment you come to love in Montana by volume and one of the site in the below,. Largest fish in the basins of most western streams, by mid-July youre... Is beginning to loosen its grip on the Clark Fork adding a much-needed flush cool... More oxygenated water, its no surprise that the last 60 or so miles consist of three and! And brown drake hatch and PMD hatch take over the river and add much-needed water to the.. Recommend pleasure floating as this is a beautiful section of the map below, to even. Are a number of great places to access the river with a stream in Sanders county, Montana most,... Montana Snow Survey staff daily during the business week as water temperatures clark fork river flows plains typically... To cattle, grasshoppers will once again become a staple of a Superfund site, is.
Averagea Function In Excel, Best Wifi Extender For Fios, Unintelligible Crossword Clue 10 Letters, Ledyard Public Schools Superintendent, Butternut Squash Risotto, Sonesta Los Angeles Airport Deposit, Polk Audio Signature Elite, When Will Lemonade Offer Car Insurance, Massimo Mcs-50 Manual,
