Upper Clark Fork: the seldom fished river

Of all the amazing fishing spots around Missoula, perhaps the least known is the Upper Clark Fork.

Join the Clark Fork Coalition on April 21st for an introduction to the opportunities to fish, float, and explore little-used waters within an hour and a half from Missoula. Hear from CFC’s Will McDowell and Alex Leone about lesser-known access points on the main stem of the Clark Fork, and tributaries with great fisheries, scenery, and solitude. Learn about why the Upper Clark Fork is considered “a sleeping giant of a fishery”, why the fish grow so big (spoiler: it has to do with a healthy bug population), and how even better things are in store as Superfund cleanup progresses.

McDowell will also discuss the “Eight Great Trout Streams Campaign,” a multi-year effort by the Coalition and its partners to restore eight trout streams that are key to unlocking this fishery’s full ecological potential. Participants who contribute to the campaign during the event will each receive a free gift of their choice. 

Learn more about the Upper Clark Fork fishery on Thursday, April 21st at 5:30pm at the Clark Fork Coalition office (140 S. 4th St W). The event is free and open to the public and Big Sky beer and other beverages will be available.

 The April 21 event is part of the Coalition’s monthly “Water Walks and Talks” learning series, which keeps citizens informed about hot topics and recent developments in the Clark Fork River watershed.