Clark Fork River Fishing Report | July 21, 2025
The report at a glance
Presentation
On the Clark Fork, a copper foam stonefly up top with a black Pat's Rubber Legs dropped below. Most hits came on the dropper, with topwater takes mixed in. On the Blackfoot, a size 16 epoxy ant drew reliable eats.
Lures and baits
Copper foam stonefly
Black Pat's Rubber Legs
Size 16 epoxy ant
These competitor patterns are not Catch America products
Best time
Early morning, with lines in by 6:40 AM
Weather
Midsummer cool down after a hot stretch.
Advice for this week
Get on the water early during a hot stretch. Cool downs can soften the bite short term but set up strong days right after. Terrestrials like ants, beetles, and early hoppers are coming on.
What is changing
A three day cool down dropped water temps and lit up the bite. The Flathead is shifting from mayfly and stonefly hatches toward terrestrials, with recent rain helping the fishery.
Next week
Conditions point to strong August fishing as the terrestrial game takes over on all three rivers.
The Clark Fork River is fishing outstanding in late July 2025 after a three-day cool-down dropped water temps and fired up the trout. Ryan Stultz put a three-boat trip on bent rods all day, mostly on the dropper. Run a copper foam stonefly up top with a black Pat's Rubber Legs below, and get on the water early, lines in by 6:40 AM.
How is the Clark Fork River fishing right now?
Outstanding. Ryan Stultz says the river loves a cool-down and he hit it perfect after three days of cold weather dropped the water temp. His three-boat trip had bent rods all day long, with tons of fish hitting the net.
What flies work on the Clark Fork River?
Ryan ran a copper foam stonefly on top with a black Pat's Rubber Legs dropper below. Most hits came on the dropper, but the topwater also produced. It was an exceptional all-day numbers game.
When should you fish the Clark Fork River?
Early. Ryan put his boats on the water with lines in by 6:40 AM after the cool-down, and the fish were happy and aggressive. Getting out early takes advantage of the cool water temps before the day warms.
What are the other Montana rivers doing?
The Flathead is transitioning to terrestrials, with small ants, beetles, and early hoppers coming into play. The Blackfoot had a great dry fly day on a size 16 epoxy ant, with fun numbers of fish feeding on top.
What is the outlook for the Clark Fork River?
Great. Recent rain and cool-downs are keeping temps in check through peak summer, which sets up strong fishing. Ryan expects the good reports to continue and will keep anglers posted honestly whether the bite is hot or not.
Watch the full report
Clark Fork River July 21, 2025 FAQ
A three-day cool-down dropped the water temperature and fired up an aggressive trout bite.
A copper foam stonefly up top with a black Pat's Rubber Legs dropper, with most hits on the dropper.
Early, with lines in by about 6:40 AM to fish the cool morning water.
Good dry fly action on a size 16 epoxy ant, with fun numbers of fish on top.
Yes. Ryan reports the Flathead is moving toward ants, beetles, and early hoppers.
A specific temperature was not stated, but three cold days dropped it enough to spark the bite.
