Clark Fork River Lodge – Montana
Experience the ultimate fly fishing adventure on Montana’s Clark Fork River! Enjoy exclusive access to the Clark Fork River Lodge, where rustic comfort meets world-class fishing—it’s the perfect retreat for anglers.
LODGING
Double Queen Occupancy,
Single King Occupancy
SPECIES
Westslope Cutthroat Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Montana Whitefish
SEASON
March – Early November
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Families, Offsite Events, Company Retreats, Large Groups, Adventure-Seekers, Couples
EQUIPMENT
Loaner equipment available upon request
Explore the pristine waters of Montana’s premier rivers and streams with a stay at the Clark Fork River Lodge!
Ideal for those seeking an authentic Montana fly fishing experience, this lodge offers both novice and seasoned anglers the chance to drift the Clark Fork River for hard-fighting rainbows and browns or enjoy walk-and-wade fishing on the nearby St. Regis.
At the Clark Fork River Lodge, anglers have the opportunity to target a variety of prized trout species in the surrounding rivers. The Clark Fork River is renowned for its vibrant rainbow and brown trout, offering exciting challenges as they dart through the clear waters. For those seeking a more intimate experience, the nearby St. Regis River is a haven for native Westslope Cutthroat Trout, known for their distinctive markings and willingness to rise to a dry fly. Whether you’re drifting or wading, these waters promise a rewarding day on the river, surrounded by Montana’s stunning wilderness.
Additionally, the lodge can arrange guided trips to Rock Creek, the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and Missouri Rivers—reach out to our team for more details!
The Clark Fork River Lodge offers an exceptional Montana fly fishing experience, combining rustic charm with modern comforts.
Nestled on the banks of the Clark Fork River, this lodge is designed by fishermen, for fishermen, providing everything you need for the perfect fly fishing getaway. With eight bedrooms and two lofts, the lodge is ideal for corporate retreats, family reunions, or a peaceful escape.
After a day of fishing for rainbow and brown trout on the Clark Fork River or targeting native Westslope Cutthroat Trout on the nearby St. Regis, unwind on the panoramic deck overlooking the river. The lodge’s fly-tying station is available for those who want to prepare for another day on the water. Whether you’re drifting through the pristine waters or enjoying a peaceful moment at the lodge, the stunning Montana scenery surrounds you, creating an unforgettable experience.
Beyond fishing, the Clark Fork River Lodge is ideally located for a variety of outdoor activities. Explore nearby ski areas, bike and hiking trails, or relax in the natural hot springs just minutes away. For a truly unique Montana experience, visit the National Bison Range, located within a 45-minute drive. The lodge is a perfect retreat for anglers and non-anglers alike, offering the best of Montana’s natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
The Clark Fork
The Clark Fork River, originating from the confluence of Basin and Blacktail Creeks in southwestern Montana near Butte, offers an exceptional fly fishing experience amid stunning landscapes. As it winds its way through the region, the river is fed by numerous streams and joins with the Bitterroot River near Missoula and the Flathead River near Plains, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem for fish and anglers alike. Historically, the river’s headwaters faced environmental challenges due to toxic metals from nearby mining activities. However, extensive remediation efforts have transformed the area, and the once-polluted waters are now thriving, attracting anglers from all over.
Today, the Clark Fork River is renowned for its healthy populations of rainbow, brown, and native Westslope Cutthroat Trout. The river’s recovery has made it a prime location for fly fishing where anglers can enjoy both solitude and the thrill of catching these prized fish. Whether you’re drifting down the river or wading in its shallower stretches, the Clark Fork offers a rejuvenated and rewarding fishing experience, set against the backdrop of Montana’s mountains.
Missouri River
The Missouri River, stretching over 700 miles across Montana, is a prime destination for fly fishing, particularly during runoff periods when its tailwaters remain clear and predictable. Flowing from Holter Dam to Pelican Point, the Missouri offers calm floating conditions, allowing anglers to fully focus on their fly fishing. The river is often compared to a gigantic spring creek, with acrobatic rainbow trout, massive brown trout, and stunning backdrops that create a unique and memorable fly fishing experience.
Renowned for its high fish per mile count—around 8,000 fish per mile—the Missouri River is a true Montana trout fishing mecca. Anglers can expect to catch impressive rainbow and brown trout, with an average size ranging from 16 to 24 inches. The river is famous for its exceptional dry fly fishing, and the opportunity to land a trophy brown trout is well within reach for any angler. If you enjoy casting to rising trout in breathtaking surroundings, the Missouri River is the perfect destination.
Blackfoot River
The Blackfoot River, known as “The Big Blackfoot,” meanders over 130 miles from the Continental Divide near Lincoln to its confluence with the Clark Fork River near Bonner. Shaped by the Missoula Floods at the end of the last ice age, the river’s terrain includes dramatic box canyons, lush forestland, and boulder-strewn mountains. Its stunning scenery—featuring towering ponderosa pines, moss-covered cliffs, and clear emerald pools—makes it a fly fisher’s paradise.
The Blackfoot’s cold, clean waters support a diverse range of trout species, including native Westslope Cutthroat, wild Rainbows, Bull Trout, Browns, and Brook Trout. The river is one of the few in Montana with native Bull Trout, indicating its pristine water quality. Fishing is excellent from April through October, with prolific dry fly hatches and the chance to catch all five trout species in a single day. Anglers often experience 30 or more fish rising on the fly during a typical float, making the Blackfoot an unparalleled fishing destination.
Rock Creek
Rock Creek is a fly fisher’s paradise, offering around 50 miles of blue-ribbon water that winds through Granite and Missoula counties, making it the most significant tributary of the Upper Clark Fork River. Originating in the National Forest near Philipsburg, Montana, Rock Creek flows into the Clark Fork River about seven miles east of Clinton, MT. The creek is bordered by National Forest for much of its course, providing anglers with access to deep holding pools, extensive riffles, serene rock gardens, undercut banks, fast runs, and a stretch of whitewater.
Rich in wildlife, Rock Creek’s rocky bluffs and green pastures are home to Bighorn sheep, moose, bears, and the world’s largest marmots. With an average of 2,200 trout per mile, this freestone stream is teeming with cutthroat, rainbows, cutbows, browns, and even the elusive Bull Trout. The prolific insect life ensures that the fish are always feeding, making Rock Creek a gem for fly fishing enthusiasts. This outfitter holds 50% of the special use permits for outfitting on Rock Creek, granted by the Lolo National Forest Service. The float season runs through the end of June, after which walk and wade trips are available.
The Guides
The guides on this experience are expert fly fishing guides and are unmatched in their knowledge of Montana’s rivers, fly fishing techniques, equipment, and local conditions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, the guides are dedicated to tailoring the experience to your skill level, teaching you effective techniques, and leading you to the most productive spots on the river.
Situated on the banks of the Clark Fork River, the Clark Fork River Lodge (2) is conveniently located just an hour northwest of Missoula. Guests typically drive to the lodge themselves, or fly in to the Missoula Airport (1) and pick up a rental for the trip.
LEGEND
(1) Missoula Airport (MOS)
(2) Clark Fork River Lodge
Montana is known for varying temperatures and high winds, depending on the season. We recommend you come prepared! Layers are the key to being comfortable throughout the day.
Everything you need for a day of fishing, including rod, reel, boots, waders, flies, and end tackle, is included in your package. If you would like to bring your own gear, we recommend:
- Fly Rods – Bring two rods in case of an accident. 8-1/2 to 9, 5 to 6 weight are standard. If you want to bring a 4 weight, we’re not stoppin’ you!
- Reels and Lines – Single action fly reels with 75 to 100 yds of backing and a weight forward or double taper fly line matching the rods. Bring two if possible.
- Leaders – 7-1/2′ to 9′, 2x to 6x are standard. We usually provide these, but it can’t hurt to bring some.
- Flies – We usually provide these. We can also stop into a shop along the way to pick up extras.
- Accessories – This includes floatant, split shot, lead sleeves, nippers. Tippets are provided by us.
- A Montana Fishing License – We can stop for this or you can go online and purchase it before hand at Get Your Montana Fishing License Here.
TRIP INCLUDES
- Guided Fishing on the Clark Fork, Missouri River, Blackfoot River, or Rock Creek)
- Lodging at the Clark Fork River Lodge
- Flies, line, tippet and extra fly rods and reels, as needed
- Transportation to and from the rivers
- Lunches, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Instruction – as little, or as much as you desire!
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Staff & guide gratuities (10% of the package price is suggested to the staff, plus $100 per day per guide per person)
- Fishing license
- Airport transfers to/from Missoula
2025 Season
Pricing is based on double occupancy, per person. There is an additional $150/day surcharge for single anglers, or uneven number of clients. There is also a 2-client minimum for this program.
2 Days, 3 Nights $1,980
3 Days, 4 Nights $2,970
4 Days, 5 Nights $3,960
5 Days, 6 Nights $4,950
ADVENTURE AWAITS
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